Mohammed Shami Supports Rotation Policy Ahead of ICC Tournaments

After playing a crucial role in India’s thrilling five-wicket victory over Australia with his impressive five-wicket haul in ODIs, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami expressed strong support for the team’s rotation policy, especially in the lead-up to the Men’s ODI World Cup. He believes that this policy allows players who have struggled to find their rhythm to gain much-needed match practice.

Shami’s exceptional performance at the PCA Stadium pitch included dismissing key Australian batsmen like Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, and Sean Abbott, finishing with figures of 5-51 and restricting the visitors to 276.

Speaking about the rotation policy, Shami stated, “When building a team, the coach plays a role in rotating players based on the situation. We have seen positive results due to rotation, and I believe that leading up to the World Cup, it’s crucial not to burden players with back-to-back games. Currently, it’s working well, and we are achieving good results.”

He emphasized the importance of rotation, particularly for bowlers, before ICC tournaments. Shami noted, “It is particularly helpful for those who haven’t been in rhythm to gain some much-needed game time.”

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This victory marked the second successive occasion in which an Indian pacer achieved a five-wicket haul, following Mohammed Siraj‘s exceptional performance in the Asia Cup final in Colombo. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-game series. Shami, who replaced a rested Siraj in the playing eleven, didn’t find the extreme heat a significant issue, despite briefly leaving the field after bowling four overs.

Regarding the challenges of bowling in extreme heat, Shami explained, “We don’t discuss it much in terms of tactics. It depends on the state of the game and the opposition batters. Heat is a factor, but when you’ve been playing international cricket for so long, it cannot be an excuse. It doesn’t reflect a player’s fitness or stamina. Players are human, and it also depends on the effort you’re putting in and the on-field situation.”

Shami credited his bowling partner, Jasprit Bumrah, for their mutual support and contribution to the team’s success. “As a bowler, it’s satisfying when you find rhythm on a pitch that doesn’t naturally assist you. Our Indian bowling attack has always been about helping each other. If I take wickets, Bumrah will control the run rate at the other end. This partnership bowling is vital. One of us may take more wickets on a particular day, but the supporting roles are equally crucial.”

Shami concluded by explaining that his decision to skip the West Indies tour was to refresh himself after an extended period of continuous cricket across formats. “I felt the need for a break after playing cricket consistently for seven to eight months. The decision was made after discussions with the captain and coach. Although it was a break, it didn’t feel like one because I have an extensive training setup at home for practice and conditioning. I usually end up training more at home than when I am with the Indian team.”