With nine wickets from two matches, India’s veteran pacer has made a grand comeback, but his real test will be in the upcoming knockout matches
India’s Mohammed Shami (second from right) celebrates the wicket of England’s Jonny Bairstow with teammates in Lucknow on Sunday. Pic/PTI
Team India are firing on all cylinders in the World Cup. Not that they have not had their share of problems. But they have overcome them all with grit and determination. The most heartening has been the performance of the bowling unit. That was one area where there were doubts due to form and fitness issues. However, they were driven away with some spectacular performances in the Asia Cup.
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India’s bowling resources are such that they can afford to bench players of the caliber of Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin. Most of the teams in the World Cup would give their right arm to have Shami and Ashwin in their XI, especially in Indian conditions.
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Grabbing the opportunity
Once bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was back at his best, both in terms of fitness and wicket-taking ability, all that India needed was a partner at the other end. It was Mohammed Siraj after his match-winner spell in the Asia Cup final, while Shami had to warm the benches. When all-rounder Hardik Pandya got injured, it gave Shami the chance to display his mettle. And he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, so much so that experts and fans are now asking why was he ignored in the first place.
On his return, Shami grabbed five wickets against New Zealand in Dharamsala and four against England in Lucknow on Sunday night to prove that he has lost none of his firepower. Like Ashwin, Shami too has undergone periods of frustration when he has been benched in favour of Siraj. When he was asked how it felt when he was watching from the sidelines, he pointed to his temple, indicating that one has to be mentally strong and wait for an opportunity.
“I was watching everything from the bench. I can do something only when I am given the chance. But yes, it is very important [to stay focused]. When you are not playing, it is very difficult. But one has to remain focused. If your team are performing, and your boys are moving in a rhythm, then I don’t think you should feel guilty [distressed] sitting outside, because you are also a part of the team and a part of the World Cup. I think everyone should enjoy each other’s success,” Shami, conveying that he is a team man to the core, said in Dharamshala.
Success mantra
When asked what his mantra for success was, he said, “It depends on what your role is, what the conditions are. You have to see everything because when the ball is not coming off the wicket, you have to focus on the line of length. And the result is in front of you.” There is no doubt Shami has maintained a superb line and length and made a grand comeback.
But his job is far from done. India have to play three more league matches before their semi-final in Mumbai and hopefully the final in Ahmedabad. Those two knockout games will be the real test not only for Shami, but also for Team India if they hope to repeat the 2011 feat of winning the World Cup at home.
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