India’s Mohammed Shami celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup ODI between India and New Zealand.
| Photo Credit: DEEPAK KR

The seasoned fast bowler was equally quick on the draw while addressing the media. Fresh from a five for 54 yield against New Zealand, India seamer Mohammed Shami spoke with remarkable candour at the HPCA Stadium here on Sunday night. “I bowled a good line and length and took whatever came my way,” he quipped.

When asked about his favourite dismissal, Shami replied: “All dismissals are my favourites. It is difficult to pick one, it is like making a building, every brick matters and so is the case with every wicket, they all matter a lot.”

There was a tricky query about him being benched in the previous games and Shami handled it with grace: “Yes it was a bit difficult to be on the bench but I saw it this way, I am part of a World Cup squad and I was sure I will get a game, if not tomorrow, then may be day after and when that happens I should be ready. More than all that I enjoyed the success of my teammates, there is no space for jealousy here.”

And about the whispers on the rough outfield, Shami was diplomacy personified: “Listen yaar, the ground is the same for us and New Zealand, I don’t want to complain and all, plus this involves ground-staff doing their work. In India the weather can change, there could be moisture, some places it can be dry and it gets difficult. All I would say is that the better the outfield, better it is for the game but yes, no complaints.”

When a surprise guest — Mohammed Siraj — stepped in, Shami acknowledged the camaraderie within the fast-bowling club. “We work out plans and are happy when each of us do well. Siraj here has done well and he keeps egging you on, plus we also get to win medals in the dressing room, it is all good fun.”