Rohit Sharma doesn’t like facing me in the nets – Mohammed Shami

India ace fast bowler Mohammed Shami has revealed that skipper Rohit Sharma doesn’t like facing him in the practice nets. Shami had a great run in the ODI World Cup 2023, picking 24 wickets (the highest in the tournament) in seven matches at an impressive average of 10.71. 

The fast bowler returned with fine figures of 7-57 against New Zealand in the semifinals and bagged a total of three five-wicket hauls. However, Shami hasn’t played any professional cricket since then he had to undergo surgery for his ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Shami is well known for his upright seam position and can consistently bowl above 140 kmph and thus it is not easy to face him.

Shami said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, “Rohit to pehle hi kehta hai ‘mai isko khelna pasand nahi karta’. Woh to pehle hi mana kar deta hai. (Rohit says I don’t like to face him. He refuses to bat against me).”

On the other hand, Shami added that he faces a challenging contest from Virat Kohli.

“Virat se to mera hamesha se rehta hai ki hum ek dusre ko challenge dete hain (We challenge each other). He likes to hit good shots. I like to get him out. The bonding and the friendship reflects in that.

“It also helps you focus and put in the effort as you simulate (fielding positions), for example, two (imaginary) slips in place, two gully fielders. (So I challenge Virat) to come at me and score runs. We enjoy such things.”

Shami has an impeccable record in ODI World Cup history as he has bagged 55 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 13.52 and an economy rate of 5.13. 

The gun fast bowler also recently shared a video in which he is bowling in the nets.