Mohammed Shami – The hard work pays off

He is a totally committed cricketer who gives his 100% every time. Though he is comparatively new in Team India, but the way he carries himself in any given situation is really commendable. In the game of cricket, one has to develop a temperament whereby he is required to adapt to the game as per the need of the hour.

Mohammed Shami has time and again proved this ability through his impressive bowling. Today, he again displayed his skills, when he took three important wickets against South Africa in the crucial second ODI. Another very interesting fact is that many times Shami gets a wicket right after being hit for four – by putting extra effort in his very next delivery.

It is heartening to note that within a short span of just a few months, Shami Ahmed has become one of the lead bowlers in the Indian squad. Apart from having a good speed of 140kmph, what appears more positive with his bowling is that he has got full control over his line and length. Also, the way he is able to move the ball both ways provides an additional edge in his bowling. Though he is yet to learn how to contain his economy rate!

It takes a hell lot of effort and hard work for a pacer to maintain the speed and swing throughout one’s bowling spell. Gladly, Shami – with his unabated hard work – is doing that precisely. His efforts are clearly visible from his facial expressions. Also, he appears to be a straight forward kind of a person, who likes to keep the things simple. Another notable quality he possesses is that right from his first ball to the end – he tries to maintain the consistency. It is immaterial whether he gets wickets or not, he always put his best efforts.

Fitness is a key word for any cricketer, but this is vital for a pacer. This might appear to be too early a forecast, but Shami seems to be a long term option. He has been bowling with a constant zeal and appears to be a player with tough bone structure. As far as his bowling action is concerned, veteran player and commentator Kapil Dev has praised it every time. Legend Sunil Gavaskar, during a recent match, had opined that if Shami is able to maintain his fitness, speed, line and length, there will be no looking back for him.

I personally love the way he carries himself in a rather honest manner without any hype or show off, for he knows that the competition is tough out there, and he has got to perform well on a regular basis.

I am a believer in his ability, so I do hope that with the passage of time and meaningful guidance from senior Zaheer Khan, he will play a very important role in the years to come.