India’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has hailed fast bowler Mohammed Shami, highlighting his exceptional ability to consistently land the ball in an upright seam position. Shami’s remarkable performance in the ODI World Cup, finishing at the top of the bowling charts with 24 wickets from seven matches, has drawn praise from Mhambrey, who considers Shami an unparalleled bowling “artist.”
Mhambrey expressed that the skill possessed by Shami, enabling him to land the ball with an upright seam every time, cannot be created by any coach worldwide. Shami’s prowess in consistently achieving this difficult feat sets him apart as a bowler. Mhambrey credited Shami’s success to his tremendous hard work and dedication, emphasizing that the bowler developed this unique skill through his commitment.
The bowling coach also drew a parallel with another exceptional fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, commending his ability to make the ball move in different directions with his unusual bowling action. Mhambrey recognized the artistry behind such skills, attributing them to the hard work and dedication put in by both Shami and Bumrah.
Reflecting on the exceptional performances in Test matches, Mhambrey expressed surprise at the dominance of bowlers like Bumrah, Shami, and Ishant Sharma. The coach admitted that the level of performance witnessed, such as bowling out Sri Lanka for 50 and repeating the feat against South Africa, exceeded his expectations. The sustained excellence displayed by the bowling attack on the global stage, especially in crucial moments, was deemed commendable.
Mhambrey highlighted the larger goal of creating bench strength during the two-year cycle leading up to the World Cup. The focus was not just on achieving short-term successes but also on identifying and nurturing talented bowlers who can contribute to the team’s success in the future. The collaborative effort of the coaching staff, including Rahul Dravid, aimed to develop a pool of 3-5 bowlers from the next batch.
Addressing the perception that the younger generation may be averse to Test cricket, Mhambrey rejected the notion. While acknowledging that some players may prefer white-ball cricket, he emphasized that aspiring fast bowlers and spinners still prioritize excelling in Test cricket. The choice between formats is viewed as an individual decision based on the player’s skill sets and preferences.
Mhambrey clarified that the absence of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from bilateral T20Is doesn’t diminish the significance of such series. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance, allowing younger players to showcase their skills and adaptability in different situations. While experienced players focus on specific areas in their T20 games, bilateral T20Is provide opportunities to assess and understand the adaptability of younger talents under varied conditions.
For more updates stay tuned to FELA News!
