Mohammed Shami has said that the captain’s backing is important to improve the performance of a player. And according to him, Virat Kohli has given that freedom and support to pacers which has resulted in the growth of fast bowling options in Indian cricket.
Mohammed Shami has been in terrific form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. He is the strong contender for the purple cap of this season as he has so far scalped eight wickets in four matches. Before playing IPL, he had also a good outing in International cricket. He also registered a hat-trick in the World Cup 2019, becoming only the second Indian to do so.
When asked about Virat Kohli’s role in promoting Team India’s current pace attack, Mohammed Shami said that the Indian captain’s belief in players has allowed them to perform well in international cricket.
“I think in international cricket, fast bowlers would definitely perform well when they have the backing from the captain and he is one such personality,” Mohammad Shami added.
Shami added that Kohli’s love to take a challenge and allow bowlers to freely execute their plan while trusting them.
“Virat loves to take on a challenge. He is clear with what he wants and he gives us the freedom to play to our strength and backs us with our decisions as well which has helped us perform better,” he said.
The biggest factor is the culture of motivation and fitness in the team: Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami believes that the players are always ready to give 100% because of the team’s motivated culture. He also said that keeping high levels of fitness has also shifted culture in the dressing room which has also resulted in strong bench strength.
“The biggest factor is the culture of motivation and fitness in the team. We have a unit of six-seven fast bowlers who have been playing since the last five years and no matter whom you choose they will give their 100 per cent.”
“If we keep on building this culture it is going to hugely benefit the junior levels. This is the basic reason that the reserve fast bowlers, U-19 ones everyone is showing great quality,” he added.
After completing IPL 2020, Team India will tour Australia to play bilateral series across all the formats.