T20 World Cup 2022: Was out of T20 team but not out of practice – Mohammed Shami

India’s ace paceman Mohammed Shami has revealed that he was out of the T20 team but he was never out of practice. Shami has been able to do a decent job for the team in the ongoing T20I showpiece as he has scalped four wickets in four matches at an average of 22.50 and an economy rate of six.

In fact, Shami is playing in the T20 team after the conclusion of the previous T20 World Cup in the UAE. Shami was picked in the squad for the series against Australia and South Africa but he was ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19.

Earlier, Shami was picked as a stand-by player for the T20 World Cup but then he was named in the main squad after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a back injury.

“It all depends on preparation, and the team management always tells you to get ready,” Shami said as quoted by PTI after India beat Bangladesh by five runs here on Wednesday.

“As and when the team requires, you will get the call, is what we are always told. If you have seen my videos, I am never out of practice and I always continue with my training,” the veteran of 200-plus Test wickets said.

Shami added it is not easy to switch between formats but he had the confidence to do so as he was always practicing.

“It’s not always easy to switch from one format to another red and white balls. It’s about how well you are connected with the team and how well you bond with them,” Shami spoke about his relationship with the current setup.

“These are things that depend, and secondly, yes, I am playing T20Is after last World T20 and I agree that a player needs confidence and flow more than the color of the ball. Obviously, you need practice.”

Shami went on to add that he was always ready to give his best to the team as he was making a comeback into the T20I team after a long break.

“Call it experience, I am always ready. If you see me in matches, I am always bowling with a new ball but when it comes to practice, I normally choose semi-new or old ball.

“If you get that benefit during the game, it’s good. Just that you need confidence that you can execute it in a match situation,” he said.

India will next take on Zimbabwe on Sunday at the MCG.