Mohammed Shami has hailed the return of Jasprit Bumrah to the squad, underscoring the transformative impact it has had on the team’s bowling attack. In a conversation with Star Sports, Shami explained his approach towards crucial matches, shedding light on his mindset and the collective strategy of the team as they gear up for the Asia Cup.
Shami’s insights reveal the meticulous preparation, unwavering focus, and team camaraderie that propel him into high-stakes tournaments. “For big games, there is always preparation as we have practised in the training camp. I do not think we have to analyze too much into the situation, we have the skill and the bowling lineup, so we do not have to think too much. But I have to say one thing, whenever one-day matches come, there has to be focus. So to be focused and to have proper planning,” he expressed.
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His perspective underscores the simplicity of the team’s approach – a blend of skill, focus, and proper planning. Shami’s commitment to giving his all, regardless of his role, resonates with the collective determination within the squad. The return of Jasprit Bumrah, a key player in the white-ball format, holds particular significance for the team’s strength.
Shami further elaborated, “Depends on whether I have the new ball or whether the team requires me at any stage during the match, I am always on. I do not have any hesitancy to bowl with the new ball or the old ball. I do not have an ego like that. All three of us (Bumrah, Shami & Siraj) are bowling very well, so it depends on the management on who will play. There is only one goal, to go and give our 100 per cent, the result will come running to us if we give our 100 per cent.”
With a straightforward strategy of focus and execution, Shami emphasized that precision bowling in the right areas is key, regardless of the ball’s color. The return of Bumrah, especially in the white-ball format, has significantly bolstered the team’s bowling strength. Shami expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Having Jassi in the team has made us stronger, he’s looking fit and he’s playing well, hopefully, we have a good Asia Cup.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the Indian squad after a back injury that sidelined him since last year’s Asia Cup has been a triumphant one. His remarkable fitness and rhythm were on full display during the T20I series against Ireland this month, where he led the Men in Blue to a 2-0 series win and claimed four wickets in two games, including best bowling figures of 2/15.
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Shami’s performance has garnered praise from former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who acknowledged his exceptional form and performance in the absence of key players. This recognition only fuels the anticipation surrounding Shami’s contributions in the upcoming Asia Cup, where his skills are expected to pose challenges for formidable opponents like Babar Azam.
It is worth noting that Shami clinched the ‘Purple Cap’ for taking the most wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, with an impressive total of 28 scalps.
Indian Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.
Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve).