Mohammad Shami drew praise from legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar despite Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) losing their first game of IPL 2020 to Delhi Capitals in a thrilling contest that was decided by a super over. Two of their Indian cricketers Mohammed Shami and Mayank Agarwal performed exceptionally.
Opener Mayank Agarwal failed to score that important one run to win in the last over despite batting brilliantly throughout KXIP’s run-chase scoring 89 off only 60 balls. Mohammad Shami provided them with a great start picking up the wickets of opener Prithvi Shaw, Shimron Hetmyer and skipper Shreyas Iyer after captain KL Rahul opted to bowl first.
However, their efforts went in vain as Delhi managed to get two crucial points by winning the match in the super over.
It skids on to you: Sunil Gavaskar
Mohammad Shami’s stunning performance with the new ball earned praise from all quarters even from legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar who said he has the best bouncer in world. Mohammed Shami has revived his limited-overs career with some excellent performances for India recently and was picked up by Kings XI Punjab for a hefty price tag of INR 4.8 crore.
“He (Shami) probably has the best bouncer in world cricket, it skids on to to you,” Gavaskar said during commentary of the DC vs KXIP IPL 2020 match no.2 in Dubai.
Mohammad Shami bowled with discipline in the second over of DC innings which forced the otherwise composed opener, Prithvi Shaw, to play a false shot as he picked up his first wicket of the match.
West Indian batsman Shimron Hetmyer dispatched him for a four on the next delivery, but the Indian pacer bowled an outstanding delivery into the body of the hard-hitting batsman, which took a leading edge of the bat and was caught at covers by Mayank Agarwal.
Mohammad Shami Praised By Simon Doull Too
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull, who was in the commentary box at that time praised Mohammad Shami. The duo also talked about how his firm position of wrist ensures upright seam at the point of release which allows the ball to land on to the pitch more often than not.
He ended with figures of 3/15, which are his best-ever figures in IPL. Mohammed Shami produced his best IPL spell against his old team Delhi Capitals, beating his previous best of 3/21, which he had picked up for KXIP against Mumbai Indians last season.
Mohammad Shami is yet to deliver his best in IPL though as he has only 43 wickets from 52 matches averaging on the higher side of 35. His economy rate is also above eight runs per over.