"More than pace, I concentrate on my swing" - Shami Ahmed Interview

Bengal’s seamer Shami Ahmed was pitchforked to international cricket after playing only 15 first class and 15 List A games. He made his debut against Pakistan in the ODI series in India and also featured in the ODI series against England that followed. He became the first Indian (8th overall) to bowl four or more maidens on debut.

The success he enjoyed in the 2012/13 Ranji season for Bengal was rewarded with an India cap and he justified his selection completely in the chances he got. He’s also a part of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and featured in 3 matches in the 2013 season.

He was in conversation with Sportskeeda recently. Here are the excerpts:

How was it like working with Brett Lee in the KKR camp?

It was good to work with Brett Lee however I would have still preferred Wasim sir. Being an Asian, he has a better understanding of bowling conditions and one can easily relate to what he has to tell us regarding bowling.

What do you think went wrong this season for KKR?

Well, luck wasn’t with us for sure. Apart from that, there was fault in our team selection and planning. For e.g. Yusuf bhai was unclear about what position he would play in every match. He was made to play at every position from opening to no.9. There was no clarity. Technically also, things went wrong for us.

How is Gautam Gambhir as a captain?

He is a good captain. The best thing about him is that he reads the game well. Also, he likes the players to deliver what he wants.

You made your debut against Pakistan. How thrilling was that? How much did the pressure affect you?

It was my dream to play for India. Also, to play against Pakistan on my debut was an added bonus. Since childhood, like the other Indians, I loved watching Indo-Pak matches. There was no pressure. I knew that I had to make the best out of the chance I was given and give my hundred percent.

How important is pace for you as a bowler? Or do you think it can take a back seat over time?

I try to maintain my pace. I bowl around 140kph. Also, it’s important to bowl in the right areas. More than pace, I concentrate on my swing.

You bowled four consecutive maiden overs on your ODI debut. How did you pull that off?

Well, we had a plan in mind, which was to allow the opposition to play till 40 overs. It was important for us to save every run. Therefore I tried bowling in the right areas and not give any chance to the batsmen. Thankfully, things worked in my favour.

You have played under Dhoni and Gambhir. What is the main difference between their styles of leadership?

Well, it’s no secret that Dhoni is a very cool and calm captain. He will just tell you once to bowl the best you can and in the right areas. He will not interrupt until and unless he finds that something is wrong. Gambhir on the other hand is pretty aggressive.

Which fast bowlers of yesteryears do you wish to emulate?

It has to be Wasim Akram. He is a legend when it comes to pace bowling.

You have been a part of KKR for a long time. What did you pick up from the ex-bowling coach Wasim Akram?

I worked with Wasim bhai for 2 years and they were the most valuable years in terms of learning about pace bowling. He treats us like friends. I learnt a lot about reverse swing, bowling in right areas and conditions.

What changes in your bowling do you make for a T20, as compared to bowling in an ODI/Test?

With cricket becoming so competitive, one has to make changes to fit the requirements of every format. In T20s, I try to bowl 90% of Yorkers. ODIs are limited formats, so change of pace works in that.

East Zone bowlers Ashok Dinda (left) and Shami Ahmed (right) with Duleep Trophy after beating Central Zone in the Final on February 14, 2012 in Indore

You had played very less domestic matches before being called up for the Indian team. Whereas there are veterans of hundreds of matches who haven’t got a chance. Do you consider yourself lucky?

I was having a good season and I was very focused to take it forward. I played for India A in New Zealand but got injured. I went to South Africa for my treatment and stayed there for two months. Once I recovered, I was desperate to get back to cricket. I played a few domestic matches and ultimately got a call to play for the national side. I had worked pretty hard and of course, some luck helped.

What is the kind of length that you look to bowl on the placid Indian tracks?

Indian wickets are not very good to bowl on. However, they have become a little better than before. I try to bowl in the “good length” areas.

Though known for its spinners, India suddenly has a rich pool of medium pacers. What has changed?

Previously, the wickets in India were not pacer friendly. Now they have become a little bit better. I think India has never had such choices of fast bowlers as they have now.

How much does the IPL experience actually help youngsters like you?

IPL is a great platform for youngsters to showcase their talent and gain some recognition. It highlights you if you are performing well. Also, one gets the feel of what it is like to play alongside reputed international and national cricket icons.

You had a superb West Indies A tour a few months back. How was the experience of bowling on West Indian tracks?

Well, West Indian tracks are not really pacer friendly. They’re just a little better than the Indian tracks. The conditions favoured me though as it was less hot.

This IPL, you spent most of your time on the bench. How do you keep motivating yourself when you don’t get much time on the field?

Once you have played for your country and are in form, the confidence level is very high. Despite of that when you are dropped, it’s like a mental torture. However, I am a very positive person. I kept myself prepared so that whenever I got a chance to play, I was ready to give my best.

Indian pacers are very injury prone and you also have had a few injuries yourself. What do you think is the main reason behind Indian pacers breaking down so often?

Being a fast bowler is a very tough job. It requires lot of energy and stamina. Also, a proper amount of rest to the body is absolutely necessary in order to rejuvenate. However, with the tight schedule one has to follow, it’s cricket throughout the year. Hardly do players get a break. I think this is one of the main reasons why Indian pacers are so prone to injuries.

With the South African tour coming up, are you preparing yourself differently? Do you think you might get a Test call up?

Well, yes I am playing lot of club matches. I am all prepared and ready.