"Getting back to rhythm after a break is challenging" - Mohammad Shami on the importance of training in the off period ahead of IND vs SL 2022 second Test

Mohammad Shami took three wickets in the first Test in Mohali

Team India pace bowler Mohammad Shami shed importance on consistent training while being rested from the team. The 31-year-old believes constant preparation during such phases is important to get back into rhythm faster ahead of competitive fixtures.

The bowler made his return to the Indian side after being rested from the white ball home series against Sri Lanka and West Indies. The 31-year-old picked three wickets in the first Test in Mohali and retained his place for the pink ball Test in Bengaluru.

🚨 Team News 🚨

1⃣ change for #TeamIndia as Axar Patel is named in the team. #INDvSL | @Paytm

Follow the match ▶️ bit.ly/INDvSL-2NDTEST

Here's our Playing XI for the pink-ball Test 🔽 https://t.co/4ObSFoM7wU

Opining that it is difficult to get back into rhythm after a period off the field, Shami said:

"Getting back to rhythm after a break is challenging, but you have to continue the preparations even when you are at home. Sometimes you tend to get lazy at home or you don't pay enough attention to fitness, so it becomes even more difficult to get back into rhythm. It is very important to remain in touch with training,"

Shami attributed his home gym and pitch in West Bengal, which helped him carry on with his preparation and maintain his fitness levels. He added:

"Obviously, the indoor pitch and gym at home help a lot. No one would have thought that someone might have organized it like this. During the COVID period, after making it, it felt like we have done something with a good thought behind it, for your country and your career."

The Punjab Kings bowler is well renowned for his work ethic. His ability to maintain his pace and intensity throughout the day's play has assisted India on countless occasions.

"It is a different game when compared to the red ball" - Mohammad Shami on the difference between the red ball and the pink ball

India will compete in their fourth pink ball Test when they take the field against Sri Lanka. Mohammad Shami missed out on the last day-night Test that Team India partook in due to injury.

Noting that the pink ball does not offer much when it comes to reverse swing, he said:

"The ball is different when compared to Kookaburra, the coat is thicker, there is less chance of reverse swing. So, it is a different game when compared to the red ball."

🚨 Toss Update from Bengaluru 🚨

@ImRo45 has won the toss & #TeamIndia have elected to bat against Sri Lanka. 👍

#INDvSL | @Paytm https://t.co/hkG9CyP7Xr

Team India have elected to bat first after winning the toss at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The hosts have replaced Jayant Yadav with the returning Axar Patel for the day-night affair.