The rise of Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

For any fast bowler, fitness and energy levels form a vital part of his performance. Ability in terms of speed, swing, bouncers, yorkers and reverse swing also matters a lot. Another key factor is line and length.

Luckily, India’s new bowling sensation Shami Mohammed has got all the above necessary ingredients needed for effective performance in the long run. In terms of numbers of overs bowled during the first Test against South Africa, Zaheer Khan sent down 60 overs and Ishant Sharma bowled 55, while Shami bowled only 45 overs, but the overall performance by Shami was much appreciated.

Ever since Shami has emerged on the horizon of the Indian pace arena, everyone – right from Kapil Dev to Sunil Gavaskar, and from Sanjay Manjreker to Navjot Singh Sidhu – has imposed tremendous faith in him. A few are impressed with his perfect line and length and others seem pleasantly surprised with his ability to bowl long spells without compromising on his speed.

The way he is able to swing the ball, he has become the talk of the town. But from tomorrow onwards, the real Test against South Africa will begin wherein the impact of his bowling at the speed of 140 kmph will be an important factor.

Even in terms of wickets, the stats speak clearly: Shami has got the potential to strike for a long time. Ishant Sharma has played 52 Tests and has taken 149 wickets at an average of 37.95. Shami has played just 3 Tests and has taken 16 wickets at a pretty good average of 21.6. On the other hand, veteran Zaheer Khan has played 89 Tests and has taken 300 wickets at an average of over 32. Thus, the comparison between Shami and others proves that he can be better. Also, many experts have opined that Shami has got a perfect bowling action.

Shami is not only hard working and a quick learner, but he is also very consistent, devoted and determined. He is able to focus hard and can bring the desired results. Also, his ability to swing the ball both ways will prove handy. Shami has played only one Test match on the bouncy pitches of South Africa but so far the results given have been more than satisfactory.

It is really amazing that with his unabated zeal to outperform, he has risen to the highest level within a very short span of time. It is believed that soon he will become the lead bowler of the Indian attack.

I remember Kapil Dev once said Shami Mohammed just needs exposure and a little time to gain experience, and then there will be no looking back.

We all are looking forward to seeing his magic right here in South Africa and hopefully he will be able to keep the promise. A jet load of good wishes.