Mohammad Shami credits Virat Kohli's captaincy for success of Indian team
What’s the story?
Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami has credited the influence of Virat Kohli for the resurgence of Indian cricket.
He also spoke about the camaraderie shared in the dressing room, which according to him, has played a huge rule in the recent success of the team.
"The camaraderie between the members of this team is exceptional and it is actually the reason behind our good performances. It has happened for the first time that all the players enjoy each other's success. It is also because of the environment created under Virat Kohli's captaincy," Shami told India TV.
The details
Shami also spoke about the role of captain Kohli, stating that a captain always plays a crucial role in the growth of any player and if the skipper throws his support behind a player, the growth of the team can be exponential.
Apart from this, the Bengal fast bowler compared the current Indian team with teams of the past and said that this unit is a changed lot, and owing to the fact that there are bowlers who can bowl upwards of 140 kmph, this team can compete in all conditions.
Lending his opinion on the new Yo-Yo test, which has been made mandatory by the BCCI for the selection of players, Shami said that the players know that it is for their own good and hence they are enjoying it, as a result of which the fitness levels of the team have improved immensely.
In case you didn’t know…
The Indian team is ranked number 1 in both Tests and ODIs and one of the main reasons for this current success has been the form and performance of the fast bowlers.
Kohli has invested a lot of faith in his faster men and Shami has been a crucial cog in this department. He has struggled with injuries but is very much part of India's plans going ahead this season.
What’s next?
India lead the three-match T20 series against Australia and would want to seal the deal in the second T20 at Guwahati.
Also, after this series, they await New Zealand and Sri Lanka before departing for South Africa for a complete series.
Author’s take
There is little doubt that the role of captain Kohli has been instrumental in the growth of the pace arsenal of India and this is now bearing fruit for the team.
With a long away season awaiting them, the services of these men will be crucial if the Indian team are harbouring any hopes of success away from home.
Also, the fact that the team are on the same page as the selectors when it comes to fitness tests only augurs well for them in the longer run.