Mohammad Shami's coach confident about his pupil's success in Australia
Alongside Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami was one of the most successful bowlers for India in the 2015 World Cup down under. The pair jointly snarled 35 wickets in all, during India’s campaign. Shami’s last ODI appearance was his wicketless performance in the semi-final of the World Cup against Australia, which India lost.
Soon after the tournament, the 25-year old had to go undergo surgery, which made him miss the IPL 2015 and the start of the domestic season. However, the youngster seems to have walloped his way back to form, by picking a couple of wickets for Bengal in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
His absence in the team was clearly felt when India lost to South Africa at home in the recent ODI series. Despite the efforts of Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, the bowling department seemed to lack control, and gave runs easily. Skipper Dhoni had even gone to the extent of blasting the pacers for India’s loss.
The Bengal bowler, who made his ODI debut nearly three years ago, has managed to take 87 wickets from 47 ODIs at an average of 24.89 and an economy rate of 5.54. His addition to the team will certainly boost the bowling line-up.
Prolonged rest given because Shami has long journey ahead: Coach
Though the pacer’s selection for the tour of Australia did not seem very surprising, Shami’s childhood coach Badruddin Siddiqui, is confident about the success of his pupil on the flat, bouncy Australian pitches and asserts that the bowler would rise to the occasion.
“I’m very happy about Shami's comeback in the Indian cricket team. He’s a great bowler. I’m confident that he’ll perform very well in the upcoming Australia tour. Since, he is coming back after a long gap, it is natural that there will be pressure on him. But no matter how much pressure will be on him, overcoming all the hurdles and giving his 100% will be his main aim,” he said in an exclusive interview to IBN Live.
Siddiqui stressed that Shami’s fitness did play a role in his selection, and said that he looked forward to seeing the pacer bowl in Australian conditions. “I believe Shami will be successful in Australia. I have complete confidence on him. Overcoming all the obstacles and emerging victorious, will be his greatest challenge,” he said.
“Shami has a long journey ahead. The main reason for giving him rest for such a long time was to ensure that he becomes fit absolutely. Since he is now 100% fit, I feel that there will be no looking back for him,” he continued.
The proud coach recalled how Shami had always been a hard-working guy, and attributed all his success to his hard work and talent. “Shami was always a very hard working guy. Today whatever he has achieved in his career, is all because of his hard work. He was always concentrated on playing cricket. It seems apart from cricket he understood nothing. Seeing his dedication and love for the game, I’m quiet sure that Shami will be very successful in the upcoming series,” he signed off.