"Woh to pehle hi mana kar deta hai" - Mohammed Shami on the star Indian batter who doesn't like to face him in the nets
Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has said that the team's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma doesn't like facing him in the nets. He also added that he and Virat Kohli like challenging each other during net sessions.
Shami had a sensational 2023 ODI World Cup campaign in India. He finished as the leading wicket-taker, with 24 scalps from only seven matches at an average of 10.71, with three five-fers. The right-arm pacer registered sensational figures of 7-57 in the first semi-final against New Zealand at the Wankhede in Mumbai.
The 33-year-old, however, has been out of action since the ODI World Cup due to an ankle injury. In a recent interview on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube channel, Shami opened up on how Rohit doesn't like to face him in the nets (as per India Today):
"Rohit to pehle hi kehta hai 'mai isko khelna pasand nahi karta'. Woh to pehle hi mana kar deta hai. (Rohit says I don't like to face him. He refuses to bat against me)."
On his net battles with Kohli, he added that the two always try to outdo each other even during practice. Speaking about the interesting duel, the experienced pacer elaborated:
"Virat se to mera hamesha se rehta hai ki hum ek dusre ko challenge dete hain (We challenge each other). He likes to hit good shots. I like to get him out. The bonding and the friendship reflects in that.
"It also helps you focus and put in the effort as you simulate (fielding positions), for example, two (imaginary) slips in place, two gully fielders. (So I challenge Virat) to come at me and score runs. We enjoy such things."
Shami is India's leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup. In 18 matches, he has picked up 55 scalps at an average of 13.52, with four five-wicket hauls.
Mohammed Shami recently shared a video of him bowling in the nets
Having undergone a successful surgery earlier this year, the right-arm pacer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, working hard to regain his fitness. Recently, he posted a positive update on his recovery, as he was seen bowling in the nets.
Apart from his excellent performances at the international level, Shami also has an impressive record in the Indian Premier League. In 110 matches in the T20 league, he has claimed 127 wickets, averaging of 26.86 and a strike rate of 19.1.