Yuvaraja Karunakaran

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Mohammed Shami India vs Australia
“It's Also Crucial To Be Understanding When On The Bench” - Mohammed Shami On Handling Frustration

At the post-match press conference, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami expressed that he is not concerned about not being a guaranteed member of the ODI XI, even though he is one of the veteran players on the team. Shami's remarkable performance in the first ODI against Australia in Mohali on Friday is truly inspiring. He achieved his career-best ODI figures of 5/51, becoming the first Indian pacer to take a five-fer in a home ODI in 16 years. This is a remarkable feat, as Zaheer Khan was the last Indian pacer to do so in 2007 against Sri Lanka. The second ODI of the India-Australia series will be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday.

When we play regularly, someone or the other will have to sit out, says Mohammed Shami

During a post-match press conference, the pacer expressed gratitude for being allowed to play. He revealed that he wouldn't have been able to play had Asia Cup final hero Mohammed Siraj not been rested. When asked about not being a regular in the playing XI, he remained positive and focused on the present moment. India's impressive bowling display led to Australia being bowled out for 276. The team then secured a comfortable victory thanks to the outstanding performances of Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav, who all achieved half-centuries. Notably, India's success also made them the number-one ranked side across all formats.

"This is part and parcel of the game. It's important to understand the team's needs. It isn't possible that you'll always be part of the playing XI and team combinations. When we play regularly, someone or the other will have to sit out. There is no point being frustrated about it. Obviously, it's good if you're in the XI, but it's also crucial to be understanding when on the bench. That role is also very important," Mohammed Shami said.

India has wisely given their bowlers much-needed rest in preparation for the World Cup. Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav were given a break for the first two matches of the current series, while Siraj sat out the first ODI. While some critics have questioned the decision to rotate players so close to the World Cup, Shami backed the management's policy of rotating players before the World Cup, saying bowlers will benefit from it.

"The idea from the team management is to rotate according to the conditions and the situation or depending on the opposition. They know how to handle it, and as you can see, the recent results have been quite good. The rotation is going smoothly, and before the World Cup, I don't think anyone should be burdened a lot," Shami added.

"It's good for us because rotating pacers is key in such conditions. It's more important for bowlers, not that it's easier for batters, but still. Rotation is important, especially before ICC tournaments. It particularly helps those who haven't been in rhythm to get some much-needed game time," the fast bowler concluded.

The Indian cricket team has two more ODI matches scheduled against Australia, which will take place in Indore and Rajkot. Additionally, they will participate in three World Cup warm-up matches before beginning their official campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.