Internet Desk: The inclusion of Md Shami in the Indian squad for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy might have raised a few eye brows, but the bowler himself is charged to do well. The Bengal pacer will be making a comeback in the Indian team in the 50 overs format after almost two years. He last played for India during the ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia in 2013.
Reflecting on the tough period where he was out of the Indian team, Shami said, “It’s great to be back in the side. Two years is not a short period. During this period I have worked a lot on my fitness and strength training. I have lost a bit of weight as well. All I want to focus now is to get back to the rhythm where I left. The forthcoming Champions Trophy will be a very important tournament for me.”
On being asked about the transition of playing in the longer format as well as One Day cricket and T20 , Shami said, “It has been good for me as I got an opportunity to play 5-6 matches after coming back from injury for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. It has helped me to assess my match fitness.
Shami has a perfect mentor in his franchise Delhi Daredevils, when it comes to fast bowling. Daredevils captain Zaheer Khan is never short of ideas, having played for India with a huge reputation.
“I have always enjoyed talking to senior cricketers. And Zaheer bhai has been an amazing person always willing to help the youngsters. We frequently discuss about our bowling in the nets and I have benefited a lot so far. It is very important to talk to the seniors,” said Shami to xtratime.in
Talking about the fast bowling group Shami feel, “I reckon we have one of the best fast bowling attack in the world at the moment. The important thing for us is to complement each other, which we have been doing. The bowling group needs to help each other.”
Shami made his debut for India after the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. His maiden series was at home against the West Indies. On being asked whether India can defend the title they won at Edgbaston four years back, the fast bowler commented, “We will try our best to defend the title. If we play to our potential there is no way why we cannot win the title again.”