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Sabyasachi Bagchi: He has been at the forefront among the current Indian cricketers, distributing food and water to the migrant workers on NH24 for the last one month during the nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic. The lockdown has brought out the other side of Indian speedster Mohammed Shami, the humanitarian side of the premier fast bowler of the country. The fast bowler from Moradabad is also keeping himself busy with fitness drills during this forced break away from cricket. In spite of his busy schedule, the ‘Sahaspur Express’ found time to speak to Xtra Time over phone. The discussion covered a range of issues from cricket post corona, saliva ban for fast bowlers, test series against Australia later in the year to the influence of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in his career and the disappointment of a father not being able to be with his little daughter. Here are the excerpts from the candid conversation:

Q) You have been training on your own with the facility you have at your disposal at the farm house. How tough is it for not being able to train with your teammates?
Shami) I have been following the instructions shared by our strength and condition coach Greg King. It is fitness specific drills and also to enhance your strength. I am lucky I got a space to do some running everyday at the facility I have here in my farmhouse. I am trying to keep myself fit as much as possible so that I am game ready as and when cricket returns. But still there is a lot of difference training on your own and availing the facilities when you are with the team. We are also keeping connected in the whatsapp group of the team, sharing updates about our training modules.

Q) ICC has imposed a ban on using saliva on the cricket ball post COVID-19. How difficult will it be for the fast bowlers to manage the ball?
Shami) Fast bowlers grow up using their spit to polish the cricket ball. For pace bowlers it is a common thing. It will be difficult no doubt if you are not allowed to use saliva but we have to manage. If you ask me personally, I would say if you can manage the shine at one end of the ball, it will still reverse swing. Until we play a few games, it will be difficult to assess. I think there will be definitely some solutions to this problem. If you are not allowed to use saliva on the cricket ball then the contest will be one sided. End of the day fast bowlers need to use their spit to manage the cricket ball for reverse swing. There are no two ways to it.

Q) When cricket returns post corona there will also be restrictions on celebrations once a bowler picks a wicket. What are your thoughts?
Shami) It will be a bit weird though to not celebrate with your teammates once a wicket falls. It has been a practice for ages to celebrate the fall of a wicket and indulge in high fives. I think it should be made mandatory for every cricketer to get tested before the start of a series so that there is no doubt among the teammates. My personal opinion is we should stick with the practices which have been followed over the years. If someone wants to maintain social distancing on the field, he is always welcome to do so. If a bowler wants to show ‘pronam’ towards his teammates after taking a wicket, no one should have a problem.

Q) The Indian team will embark on a tough tour to Australia later this year. The home side will have both Steve Smith and David Warner. How are you looking at the challenge?
Shami) We have played against Steve Smith and David Warner earlier as well. We have been successful against them. There is no doubt that they are world class batsmen. There is no denying the fact that Australia will be strengthened with their inclusion in the side. But at the same time I don’t agree that Australia cannot be defeated even with their presence. It will be challenging no doubt. We all must remember that cricket is a one ball game. Luck also plays a huge factor.

Q) The Australia series will also have a pink ball test. How excited are you?
Shami) I am really excited to play the pink ball test in Adelaide. We already played a pink ball test against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens. It will be real excitement to play the Day Night test match in Australia. Both the sides are balanced on paper so it will be an even contest.

Q) Talking about the face bowling department, what has been the secret behind the success in recent times?
Shami) We all play for our country and that is the biggest motivation for us. We share a good camaraderie with each other and look to help each other. We are not jealous about other’s performance and that to me is the secret behind our success. We now have good bench strength of fast bowlers. Everyone is conscious about his fitness. I am very hopeful about the future of the fast bowling in the country.

Q) You have played under both Dhoni and Kohli. Can you share your experience?
Shami) It is paramount for any team to have the right balance to do well both home and away. And you require a smart captain who can lead the team successfully. Indian cricket is fortunate to have two great captains in Mahi bhai (Dhoni) and Virat. Both of them want to win and can bring the best out of the players. Mahi bhai has a calm presence on the field while Virat comes across as a very aggressive individual.

Q) Although you are very successful with the Indian team, but your performance in IPL have failed to impress. Can you share your thoughts?
Shami) I don’t agree with such a view. I picked 19 wickets for Kings XI Punjab last season, the most by any Indian bowler. I did not get much opportunity with the other franchises I played for. May be that was the reason my performances are not reflected.

Q) You have been at the forefront distributing food to the migrant workers. Can you please share what transpired you to come forward to such a noble cause?
Shami) I do not want to say much about it. I am just doing my bit for the society. I grew up watching my elders helping others. I have just helping the migrant workers who have been passing through these tough times. I am fortunate that the money I earn from cricket, I can help the poor and needy. I do it from my heart because it is my duty as a role model. I would urge the other celebrities of our country to come forward to stay beside these helpless people who are fighting for their lives every day. We are feeding almost 35000-40000 people on an average every day to the migrant workers who are passing the NH24. We are providing them water and food. It gives immense satisfaction to see them smile.

Q) You must be aware that the recent Amphan cyclone has caused a massive devastation in the state of Bengal. Would you like to come forward in support?
Shami) I am always welcome whenever I am needed for any support and help. Any organisation can contact me for support. I will try to do whatever I can in the best possible way. It is not about supporting the people of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. It is about supporting mankind.

Q) Finally a word on your little daughter Aaira. How much do you miss her as a father?
Shami) Obviously my heart cries for my daughter. It is quite natural for a father. I think about Aaira every moment in my life. I spoke to her few months back but since then I am not being able to talk to her. I tried several times in the last few months but without any success. They do not allow her to talk to her father. Her face always keeps reminding me about her. That was the reason I tried painting her picture recently. Insallah I will get her beside me one day and I mean it.