I tend to get lazy when I take rest: Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, stressing on the importance of playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy, said that the tournament helps him to stay fit.

“I returned from the Asia Cup five days before this tournament started and thought playing a game would help me stay match-fit. I’m someone who stays fit by playing regularly, rather than taking rest. I tend to get lazy when I take rest,” Shami said.

When he was quizzed on his strategy for the upcoming World Cup T20, he said, “In a T20 match, there’s little scope to try out something different as your four overs are over in no time. I don’t think there’s much difference in terms of line and length in any format of the game.”

The 24-year-old played down the hype surrounding the India-Pakistan tournament opener: “This ‘big match’ tag is for the media and fans only. For us, it is just like any other match and we prepare for it normally.”

Shami, seemingly delighted with the way he ran through Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare trophy tie at Eden Gardens, the very ground where he made his Test debut against West Indies, said, “I always try to bowl my heart out and was happy to get the results [at Kolkata]. I hope to carry on with the same fire.”

“I am working hard on my game and am always trying to improve. It’s always good to bowl as a unit. It’s important to complement each other. I and [Ashok] Dinda supported each other very well,” Shami concluded