India’s Mohammed Shami celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra through the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup ODI between India and New Zealand.
| Photo Credit: DEEPAK KR
The seasoned quick bowler was equally fast on the draw whereas addressing the media. Fresh from a 5 for 54 yield towards New Zealand, India seamer Mohammed Shami spoke with exceptional candour on the HPCA Stadium right here on Sunday evening. “I bowled a good line and length and took whatever came my way,” he quipped.
When requested about his favorite dismissal, Shami replied: “All dismissals are my favourites. It is difficult to pick one, it is like making a building, every brick matters and so is the case with every wicket, they all matter a lot.”
There was a tough question about him being benched within the earlier video games and Shami dealt with it with grace: “Yes it was a bit difficult to be on the bench but I saw it this way, I am part of a World Cup squad and I was sure I will get a game, if not tomorrow, then may be day after and when that happens I should be ready. More than all that I enjoyed the success of my teammates, there is no space for jealousy here.”
And in regards to the whispers on the tough outfield, Shami was diplomacy personified: “Listen yaar, the ground is the same for us and New Zealand, I don’t want to complain and all, plus this involves ground-staff doing their work. In India the weather can change, there could be moisture, some places it can be dry and it gets difficult. All I would say is that the better the outfield, better it is for the game but yes, no complaints.”
When a shock visitor — Mohammed Siraj — stepped in, Shami acknowledged the camaraderie inside the fast-bowling membership. “We work out plans and are happy when each of us do well. Siraj here has done well and he keeps egging you on, plus we also get to win medals in the dressing room, it is all good fun.”
