There was something historical about Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul in the opening match of the three-game ODI series against Australia in Mohali on Friday (September 22). It was after a long 16-year wait that an Indian pacer had picked up an ODI fifer at home, Zaheer Khan being the last to do so back in 2007 against Sri Lanka. The fifer, which set the home team’s victory, also propelled India to the No.1 spot in the ICC rankings across formats.
On a day when he’s achieved something sensational, the truth remains that Shami may not be a certainty in the starting XI come the World Cup. Particularly with the emergence of Mohammed Siraj in recent times.
However, it isn’t something that seems to be bothering Shami and the pacer is strongly in favour of the player rotation policy adopted by the think tank. Despite being a senior player in the squad, Shami isn’t fazed about the fact that he isn’t a sure shot in the playing XI even with standout performances like the one in Mohali.
“This is a part and parcel of the game. It’s important to understand the team’s needs. It isn’t possible that you’ll always be part of the playing XI and team combinations. When we play regularly, someone or the other will have to sit out. There is no point being frustrated about it. Obviously it’s good if you’re in the XI but it’s also crucial to be understanding when on the bench. That role is also very important,” he said at the press conference after India’s five-wicket win.
Shami’s fifer is the second successive game in which an Indian pacer has picked up the milestone (after Siraj in the Asia Cup final) and the fact that both matches were in the sub-continent elevates the achievements. With Jasprit Bumrah back and buzzing, India are spoilt for choices with their bowling combinations for the World Cup. In Indian conditions, two spinners are mandatory and with Hardik Pandya being a steady support seamer, one of the three frontline pacers will unfortunately have to miss out.
“The idea from the team management is to rotate according to the conditions and the situation, or depending on the opposition. They know how to handle it and if you see, the recent results have been quite good. The rotation is going smoothly and before the World Cup, I don’t think anyone should be burdened a lot.
“It’s good for us because rotating pacers is key in such conditions. It’s more important for bowlers, not that it’s easier for batters but still. Rotation is important especially before ICC tournaments. It particularly helps those who haven’t been in rhythm to get some much-needed gametime,” said Shami.
Shami’s performance in Mohali came on a pitch where fast bowling didn’t seem an easy task. Especially once the ball got older and softer with the track slowing down a touch. Yet, he didn’t back down from the challenge and delivered breakthroughs in each of his spells. If the delivery to take out Mitchell Marsh early was a lovely outswinger, getting one through the gate to remove a well-set Steve Smith was no lesser and the latter’s dismissal proved to be a huge turning point in the Australian innings. While basking in his moment of glory, Shami didn’t forget to highlight the importance of a collective bowling effort.
“It’s satisfying as a bowler when you find rhythm on a surface that isn’t naturally responsive to you. These things change your momentum and if you’ve noticed the Indian attack over the last few years, you will notice that we always help each other out. If I take wickets, then Bumrah will be stopping runs at the other end. This kind of partnership bowling is very important. Someone will take more wickets than the other on a particular day but the supporting roles remain equally crucial.”
One of the major talking points in the first innings was the excessive heat on display in the afternoon. Such was the extreme nature of the conditions that Shardul Thakur was forced to take a momentary break in between an over to replenish himself. Shami, though, didn’t appear to be stretched physically and looked in rhythm right from his first spell to the last. The 33-year-old felt that the break he took earlier this year helped him recharge his batteries but also played down the extreme heat factor as a concern for the team today.
“I’ve always been in rhythm whenever I have come back to the team. But yes, that break was needed as I had been playing regularly for seven to eight months. I felt like I needed a break and I discussed that with the captain and coach. But my rest is never technically rest as my preparation happens a lot more while I’m at my home. There is a whole setup there for practice and conditioning.
“We never talk much about this (extreme heat) with respect to tactics. It totally depends on the state of the game if we are to bowl long or short spells. Heat is definitely a factor but when you’ve been playing international cricket for so long, it cannot be an excuse. It doesn’t mean a player’s fitness has fallen or he is struggling. Players are also human. It also depends on how much effort you’re putting in. Sometimes, if the surface isn’t responsive enough, you have to put that much extra as a fast bowler and that makes a difference.”
While the bowling went according to plan, India will have been pleased with the batting effort. Shubman Gill continued his good form with yet another fifty while skipper KL Rahul also helped himself to one. Two other men got fifties too and it’s their performances that would have delighted the hosts considerably. Ruturaj Gaikwad isn’t part of the World Cup squad but he is definitely someone who is next in line to make the cut in case of an emergency. On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav is part of that 15-member squad but has been in the firing line for his meagre ODI returns recently. Both batters did their reputation no harm with their knocks.
“Before a big event, when you play such games against a strong opposition, it’s important for the batters to do well. Confidence is the key. Getting such a boost before a big event is always great for the team. It’s crucial that the batting and bowling departments are both firing together. I think that’s the best preparation,” said Shami.
