Cricket

As Gautam Gambhir takes the reins as India's new head coach, the future of veteran players in the team's T20 setup is under scrutiny. Among those facing uncertainty is Mohammed Shami, who has been a mainstay in all three formats but has seen his T20I appearances dwindle.India's outgoing bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has urged Gambhir and his yet-to-be-finalized coaching staff to address Shami's future promptly. "The staff should talk to Shami and find out what he wants to do," Mhambrey said. "He's no longer young, so where does he fit in and how many more years does he look to play? How do we use him smartly?"Shami's recent injury struggles have raised concerns about his longevity. Despite being India's top bowler in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has not played for the team since the final against Australia. Mhambrey believes that Shami's fitness and aspirations should be prioritized."If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia," Mhambrey said. "However, what Shami wants and what his body says is paramount."Mhambrey emphasized the need for individualized fitness plans for players of different ages and abilities. "You can't compare a Shami with some youngster who has just come in," he said. "You have to understand what the value of Shami is. Do you need Shami to do the Yo-Yo or bowl those many balls in a Test and win India the game?"Shami remains a formidable pacer, and his experience could prove invaluable in India's pursuit of the Champions Trophy and Test Championship. Gambhir and his coaching staff will need to carefully assess Shami's fitness, aspirations, and role in the team's future plans.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's T20I Retirement Shocks Mohammed ShamiAfter India's triumphant victory in the T20 World Cup, the retirement announcements from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami expressed his surprise and acknowledged the immense challenge of replacing these legendary players.Kohli, who was named Player-of-the-Match for his match-winning 76 in the final, announced his retirement from T20Is after the game. He ended his T20I career as India's second-highest run-scorer with 4188 runs in 125 matches.Shortly after, Rohit, in the post-match press conference, revealed his decision to join Kohli in retiring from T20Is. He finished his T20I career as the highest scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches, holding the record for the most centuries in men's T20Is.Shami expressed his shock at the retirements, saying, "It's a shock. They have been stalwarts for India, delivering outstanding performances for 15-16 years and earning their titles as kings of white-ball cricket. Both retiring simultaneously is shocking, but it's part of the natural cycle."He added, "Replacing such stars in the team will be a significant challenge. However, I would like to thank both Rohit and Virat for winning matches for the team, playing amazing innings for India, and breaking records along the way."Reflecting on India's title win, Shami congratulated the team and support staff for their hard work and dedication. He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support throughout the campaign."It's a huge achievement. Credit goes to the entire Indian team, the support staff, and the fans who boost our confidence. I would like to congratulate all the players who worked hard to remain unbeaten in the tournament," said Shami.He concluded by acknowledging the significance of being part of a World Cup-winning team, saying, "Players who become a part of the World Cup are fortunate to have that opportunity, as only around 10 percent of players get a chance in their lifetime to be part of a World Cup-winning team."Shami also expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal congratulations to the team after their triumph. "I truly appreciate that our Prime Minister has a passion for the sport and personally congratulates our champions after their victories. It really boosts the team's confidence," he said.

India's transformation from a spin-reliant nation to a pace-bowling powerhouse is a testament to the country's unwavering commitment to cricketing excellence. During his illustrious Test career, Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary "Little Master," opened the batting in all but nine of his 214 innings. However, lesser known is the fact that Gavaskar also took the new ball in five innings, not because he possessed blistering pace, but rather to provide a brief respite before introducing India's formidable spinners.Fast forward to the present day, and India boasts a glittering array of pace-bowling riches, spearheaded by the "Kohinoor of fast bowling," Jasprit Bumrah. The rise of India's pace stocks began long before Bumrah's international debut in 2016. Mohammad Nissar and Amar Singh, two early pace pioneers, played pivotal roles in India's inaugural Test victory against England at Lord's in 1932. However, the dominance of spin bowling in India, coupled with the emergence of a succession of high-class spinners, overshadowed the importance of fast bowling.It wasn't until Kapil Dev's sensational arrival in the late 1970s that a growing tribe of young aspirants began to harbor ambitions of running in hard and attacking the bowling crease. Kapil's understanding that he needed to recalibrate his bowling and sacrifice some pace for longevity proved crucial. His arrival coincided with the decline of the spin foursome, bringing fast bowling back into focus.Kapil's success inspired a generation of young bowlers, including Javagal Srinath, who became the first true fast bowler in modern-day Indian cricket. Srinath's tall, lithe frame and whippy action enabled him to hurry and harry batters, especially with his ability to bring the ball into the right-handers and generate considerable bounce.Despite the emergence of Srinath and a few other promising pacers, India's fast-bowling stocks remained fragmented. There were only a handful of bowlers who could consistently top 140 kmph, and while there was no shortage of skill, raw pace was a different matter altogether.The arrival of Mohammed Shami in 2013 and Bumrah two and a half years later marked a turning point. Shami's sensational burst of reverse swing on his debut against West Indies ignited the latest revolution, while Bumrah's unconventional speed and accuracy convinced Virat Kohli and team director Ravi Shastri that he would be a huge success in the five-day format.The BCCI's mandate for a certain amount of grass on pitches for domestic cricket, along with the tireless efforts of Bharat Arun, the national team's long-serving bowling coach, bore fruit in the assemblage of an attack for the ages. Today, teams that once didn't think twice about laying out green carpets or bouncy decks when India came calling are caught in a dilemma. India's batters are skilled enough to come through demanding tests, but India's bowlers also possess sufficient quality and are numerically adequate to pay back in kind.The embarrassment of riches has spilled over to white-ball cricket as well. At the ongoing T20 World Cup, Bumrah and Siraj are being backed up by Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm swing exponent with a mean yorker and clever changes of pace, and vice-captain Hardik Pandya, who has a penchant for testing out the bounce in the surface.India's graduation from the land of spin to a nation with outstanding fast-bowling talent has been a remarkable journey. Quality has been backed up by depth, not just quantity, and even when Bumrah was out for a year with a stress fracture of the back, India didn't suffer hugely. Of course, they missed their spearhead, but they found ways to fill the giant void. In fact, such was their depth that they left Shami out of their World Cup XI until Pandya's ankle injury forced them to rejig their combination. Shami responded by picking up five-fors for fun.For all of Shami's virtuosity and Siraj's fire, it's Bumrah who is the unquestioned leader. His hyperextension of his right elbow gives him an advantage that he has made the most of. As Balaji said recently, Bumrah is a great example, like Wasim Akram, of using sport to bowl fast, not athleticism. "Most great fast bowlers build up momentum in their run-up, but Wasim bhai and Bumrah rely more on their upper bodies and do everything with their bowling arm, their wrist. That's why they are able to succeed on even docile tracks; they take the pitch out of the equation."There is a reason why India is No. 1 in the world in both limited-overs versions and No. 2 in Test cricket. It's not hard to see what that is.

Mohammed Shami Unveils India's Playing XI for T20 World Cup Opener Against IrelandIndian pacer Mohammed Shami, currently sidelined with a knee injury, has shared his preferred playing XI for India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on Friday. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Shami outlined his choices, providing insights into India's potential strategy for the tournament.Shami's XI features a formidable batting lineup, with captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli opening the innings. The middle order boasts the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya, who will also serve as the team's sixth bowling option.In the bowling department, Shami opted for a balanced attack with two pacers and two spinners. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will provide spin support. Ravindra Jadeja, known for his all-round abilities, will be the fifth bowling option.Shami emphasized the importance of a left-arm, right-arm combination in the pace department, with Arshdeep Singh partnering Bumrah. He also highlighted the crucial role of spinners in the conditions expected in the USA."I would personally go for the left arm-right arm combination in the pace department with Arshdeep Singh partnering Jasprit Bumrah. Kuldeep, Chahal, and Jadeja will be the spinners, while Hardik will be the sixth bowler," Shami explained.Meanwhile, concerns linger over the weather conditions in Nassau County, where the match will be played. With the England-Scotland game washed out due to rain in Barbados, fans are hoping for clear skies for India's tournament opener.Despite the unfamiliar conditions, India captain Rohit Sharma expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt. "The conditions are quite unknown for a lot of teams. That is the same for all. You just have to play good cricket," Sharma said.

Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings Face Off in Crucial ClashGujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, two teams with contrasting fortunes this season, will lock horns in a pivotal match in Ahmedabad on Friday.Gujarat Titans' Bowling WoesGujarat Titans have struggled to find a reliable pace attack in the absence of Mohammed Shami. Azmatullah Omarzai, Spencer Johnson, and Josh Little have failed to fill the void, leaving the team vulnerable.Chennai Super Kings' Playoff HopesChennai Super Kings, on the other hand, are in a better position to make a run at the playoffs. They have lost key pace bowlers, but their experienced batting lineup and all-rounders provide stability.Form Guide and Previous MeetingGujarat Titans have lost their last three matches, while Chennai Super Kings have won two of their last five. In their previous meeting, CSK emerged victorious with Shivam Dube's half-century and impressive bowling.Team News and Impact Player StrategyGujarat Titans may swap Sai Sudharsan for Sai Kishore or Sandeep Warrier as their impact player. Chennai Super Kings are likely to rotate Ajinkya Rahane with Simarjeet Singh.Players in the SpotlightRashid Khan, once known for his miserly economy, has struggled in recent seasons. He will be eager to prove his worth against CSK. Simarjeet Singh has shown promise with his increased pace, but he needs to prove his consistency.Stats that MatterBoth Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings have struggled with their batting, scoring slowly in the powerplay and middle overs. Rahane and Wriddhiman Saha have been particularly ineffective.Pitch and ConditionsIn Ahmedabad, chasing is preferred as conditions improve for batting in the evening. The average first-innings total is 188.QuotesGujarat Titans batting coach Gary Kirsten believes captaincy has not affected Shubman Gill's batting, despite his recent struggles.

Mohammed Shami Urges Citizens to Vote, Expresses Gratitude for PM Modi's PraiseIndian star pacer Mohammed Shami cast his vote in Amroha during the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday. After exercising his franchise, Shami emphasized the importance of voting and encouraged citizens to "elect the government of their choice.""Every citizen has the right to cast their votes and elect the government of their choice," Shami told the media. "It is a matter of pride for me that PM Narendra Modi took my name during his speech (in Amroha) and praised me and my game."Shami's vote came as part of the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, which saw voting held in eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh: Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura, and Bulandshahr.Earlier this year, PM Modi had wished Shami a speedy recovery after the pacer underwent a successful operation on his Achilles tendon. Shami is currently undergoing rehabilitation from the injury.On April 19, Shami provided an injury update to his fans, expressing his eagerness to make a comeback. "Injuries don't define you, your comeback will... Can't wait to be back out there with my team!" he wrote on Instagram.Shami is not participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where he was expected to play for the Gujarat Titans (GT). He also missed the five-match Test series against England at home in January-March due to his injury.The 33-year-old last represented India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November. Despite playing through pain, Shami emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches.Shami's performance in the World Cup was a testament to his resilience and determination. He missed the subsequent tour to South Africa and the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in January due to his injury.

Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, two contrasting personalities, share an unwavering mental fortitude that has propelled Team India to remarkable success.Kohli, the aggressive batsman, and Shami, the composed bowler, topped the batting and bowling charts at the 2019 ODI World Cup, leading India to a runner-up finish. Their mental strength, according to bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, is a key factor in their achievements."Both are different personalities altogether, but in terms of mental strength, both are up there," Mhambrey said. "Virat is purely aggressive, on the face all the time. Shami is complete in contrast, never on his own."Despite their contrasting approaches, Kohli and Shami share a deep understanding of their roles and a relentless work ethic."Virat is one of the best in chasing," Mhambrey said. "He's the prime reason why India have chased mammoth scores."Shami, on the other hand, is a master of his craft. "He knows what's expected of him," Mhambrey said. "He's completely different in terms of training and he will do something that suits him."Kohli's dedication has inspired the younger players in the Indian team. "To be able to see the work put in by Virat day in and day out is an eye opener," Mhambrey said. "You see youngsters talking to him and trying to learn from him."Mhambrey believes that becoming a GOAT (Greatest of All Time) requires a combination of innate talent, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence."I think you're born with certain skills," he said. "Skills that Shami has cannot be replicated unless you have it... Same with (Jasprit) Bumrah. These are guys who are born with that skill.""You become GOAT with the attitude that you have, the work that you put in, the vision that you had about yourself, the inspiration that you want to be. These combinations with other factors will make you a GOAT."

India's bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has lauded the exceptional mental strength of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, attributing it to Team India's success.Kohli's aggressive batting style and Shami's calm and composed bowling approach may differ, but their shared mental resilience has been instrumental in India's achievements. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Kohli topped the batting charts with 765 runs, while Shami led the bowling charts with 24 wickets.Mhambrey highlights Kohli's ability to chase down mammoth scores, a skill that has significantly improved India's performance in shorter formats. He also praises Shami's deep understanding of his game and his ability to adapt his training to suit his needs.Despite their contrasting personalities, Kohli and Shami share a common understanding of their roles within the team. Their mental strength allows them to absorb pressure and deliver consistent results.Mhambrey believes that Kohli's work ethic has inspired younger players in the Indian team. He observes that youngsters seek guidance from Kohli, eager to learn from his wisdom and preparation techniques.Mhambrey emphasizes that becoming a GOAT (greatest of all time) requires a combination of innate skills, hard work, vision, and inspiration. He believes that Shami and Bumrah possess exceptional skills that cannot be replicated, but their greatness is also attributed to their attitude and dedication.

Gujarat Titans' pace bowler Mohit Sharma expressed the difficulty of replacing a bowler of Mohammed Shami's caliber after his team's 63-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings. Shami, India's premier pacer, is recovering from ankle surgery and will miss the IPL and T20 World Cup."Any team would miss a bowler like Shami. You can't replace him with anyone," said Sharma, who played for CSK from 2013 to 2015. "But injuries are uncontrollable, and you must move ahead."Sharma acknowledged the inexperience of GT's new bowlers, Spencer Johnson and Azmatullah Omarzai. "They haven't played much cricket yet. We must be patient with them and not become too result-oriented."He emphasized the importance of focusing on execution rather than results. "We must not bother about the runs leaked or the result, but how successful we are with our plans and how we are working on it backstage."CSK posted a formidable 206 for six, with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, and Shivam Dube contributing significantly. GT bowlers struggled, with Umesh Yadav conceding 27 in two overs and Rashid Khan going for 49 in four overs.Sharma attributed CSK's success to their aggressive approach in the powerplay. "They tried to get the maximum out of the powerplay overs," he said. "We failed to execute our plans properly and judge the width and length during our bowling."Despite the loss, Sharma defended GT's decision to bowl first, citing the potential for dew in night games. "We knew that the dew might play a factor later during the game," he said.However, Sharma praised CSK bowlers for their execution. "Deepak (Chahar) started well, and at the end of the day, it all boils down to the number of variations you possess and when and how to use them."He refused to blame GT's batters for the poor show. "I won't say we failed to score runs, but credit to the CSK bowlers for bowling brilliantly," he said. "The wickets that we lost initially, leading to lack of partnerships, followed by CSK bowlers bowling the right length, led to our inability to up the run rate."