Considered one of the best players in the world, Mohammed Shami has been benched by the Indian team management in the 50-over format for the last few matches. Although he may not like it, he’s fine with it, noting that some players missed the action when he was in the starting lineup.
“When I was playing regularly, there had to be someone who had to sit out and I was not guilty. So you can’t be frustrated if you sit out because the team is winning.” NDTV Shami was quoted as saying while speaking to the press after India’s victory over Australia in the first ODI on Friday.
The Indian cricket team management has already mentioned that they will go with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj when he plays at full strength during the next World Cup.
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However, Shami’s match winning numbers of 5 for 51 show that rotation is not bad when you play many games on the bounce.
Al-Shami said: “This is the team’s plan and it is important to stick to it. You cannot always be in the starting lineup because a lot depends on the composition of the team.”
“If you are playing well, if you are not in the starting lineup, you have to be supportive of those who are playing. I think there is no need to feel frustrated and I am ready to play the role that the team has given me.” Al-Shami said.
Asked if he agrees with this rotation policy where he has to sit out, Al-Shami said: “What you are trying to find out is beyond my understanding but it is clear that when you are building a team, the coach has a role in rotating the players and based on the situation it may be decided. “
According to him, rotation before a big event like the World Cup is good. “I saw that we got results because of the rotation and I think that before the World Cup, you should not put too much work in successive matches, things are going well and we are getting good results.” He said.
Shami took a break after the World Test Championship final and did not travel to the West Indies for the two Tests and three ODIs.
“It was important for me to get that break because I played back-to-back matches continuously for 7-8 months. In the back of my mind, I felt like I needed a break for a series.
“I discussed with the coach (Rahul Dravid) and captain (Rohit Sharma) and took a break (from the West Indies series). But my break never looked like a break for me because I have an elaborate training setup at home (Sahaspur) in Amroha in UP) and I ended up taking “It’s more training at home than when I was with the Indian team.”
With PTI input.
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Updated: Sep 23, 2023, 03:36 PM IST
