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‘Not Too Hard…,’ Mohammed Shami After Jolting NZ With Five-Fer At 2023 World Cup

image-lo1qocxrMohammed Shami celebrates a wicket against NZ at the 2023 World Cup (AP)

Indian speedster Mohammed Shami made a comeback into the playing XI for their high-profile World Cup 2023 showdown against New Zealand. Having played his previous international a month ago against Australia, the bowling veteran made full use of his rare opportunity as he collected five New Zealand wickets on the day, including that of centurion Daryl Mitchell on a lively Dharamsala surface.

Moreover, the 33-year-old cleaned up Will Young off the first ball of his spell, and returned to polish off the New Zealand tail in the backend of the innings.

After Team India routed the ‘Black Caps’ with two overs to spare in the run-chase, Shami was eventually declared as ‘Player of the Match’, pipping out senior teammate Virat Kohli despite the latter’s 95.

Mohammed Shami reflects on his comeback performance

Mohammed Shami was rested from each of India’s first four World Cup 2023 fixtures, as the team management decided to field only two frontline fast bowlers in the form of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur also held up their ends especially during the middle overs of the innings.

On a lively Dharamsala wicket, the Indian think-tank decided to opt Shami in the playing XI and the cricketer responded with a match-winning five-fer on the surface. After the match, the speedster stated that he regained his confidence the moment he dismissed Will Young off his first delivery.

The cricketer added that he is fully aware of his role in the side, and he is not bothered by repeated exclusions from playing XI because the other players are already performing well. During the post-match presentation, he said:

“When you join the team after a long time, it's important to gain confidence. When I bowled the first ball and got a wicket, it boosted my confidence. It's not too hard. When your team is performing well and your players are performing well, it makes you happy. You keep supporting the players in the squad. It's in the team's interest. It was very important. Because when you come after a long break, you have to bowl well while facing the top two teams. It feels good when you pick wickets against the top teams.”

Following of his match-winning performance, it remains to be seen weather the team management will persist with Mohammed Shami for India’s subsequent World Cup 2023 challenge against England.

Nonetheless, the Indian team is slated to host defending champions England on October 29 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.