Here's what Mohammed Shami has to say about Indian bowling
What's the story
India's bowling attack has been on a rise for the past 10 years and more. While Zaheer Khan was a force in the 2000s, the current lot has stars like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. These three have taken Indian bowling attack to a new level. In the same light, Shami believes the current Indian bowling is a force to reckon with.
Proud Shami
Shami proud to be a part of India's current bowling-attack
India have been on the kill with the ball since 2018, as they have claimed the most number of wickets in ODI cricket. As they prepare to continue their assault in the upcoming World Cup, Shami believes that he, along with Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has to play a key role. He also termed the current pace attack as India's most lethal weapon.
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Improvement hasn't happened overnight: Shami
"Things have started improving in the last five to seven years and, to be honest, it has been a process and not something that has happened overnight. We have been bowling as a unit and that helps," Shami was quoted as saying to IANS.
Comeback
Despite injury trouble, Shami has made prolific comeback
Shami was on a roll for India in the 2015 World Cup, having claimed 17 wickets in seven matches at an average of 17.29. He was their second-highest wicket-taker after Umesh Yadav. Since then, he has been irregular due to injuries. However, since the start of 2019, he has 11 matches, claiming 19 wickets at an average of 26.42 and an economy of 5.13.
Comeback rhythm
Australia tour and IPL 2019 has helped Shami
Shami claims that it was the Australia tour this season that allowed him to gain back his confidence. Further, it was his stint in IPL 2019 with Kings XI Punjab that helped him get back in rhythm, prior to the World Cup. "Getting to play day-in day-out helps you perform and get the right momentum," he said.
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"Always knew that I can adapt to the shorter format"
"I was just waiting for an opportunity as I had a good record in white-ball cricket. Waited for almost two years and I had it in mind that when I did get the chance, I will show what I could do," Shami added.
Promising
Shami's current records have been promising
Shami has been promising in 2019, having claimed five wickets in Australia in three ODIs at an economy of just 5.08. In IPL 2019, he has claimed the most wickets for KXIP, claiming 19 from 14 matches, at an economy of 8.68. Further, he has a good record in England, claiming eight wickets in four ODIs at an economy of just 4.67.
Author's take
Shami to be front-runner during World Cup
As Shami prepares to take on the best batting line-ups in the World Cup, he has to lead from the front, especially since the English pitches would assist pacers. He has several variations under his belt, and the author feels that he would inspire Bhuvneshwar to come up with a commendable shift. Meanwhile, Bumrah would have to handle things at the death.