Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey highlights the need of the new coaching staff describing future goals for Mohammed Shami. Shami, who last participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup, has been regaining from an ankle injury and went through surgery, resulting in his absence during the 2024 IPL season and the T20 World Cup.
In spite of this setback, Shami stays vital to India’s plans in Test cricket, notably with forthcoming events just like the 2025 Champions Trophy and a possible third consecutive World Test Championship final.
With a new coaching setup following Rahul Dravid’s team stepping down after the 2024 T20 World Cup, Mhambrey stresses the need for a seamless transition to support Shami’s return to form and fitness.
“The staff should talk to Shami and find out what he wants to do. He’s no longer young, so where does he fit in and how many more years does he look to play? How do we use him smartly? I’m sure whoever comes with Gauti will find out how to get the best of Shami,” Mhambrey said in an interview with The Telegraph.
“If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia. However, what Shami wants and what his body says is paramount. But yes, some cricket is needed before the Australia tour as he has had a long break,” he added.
Mhambrey also discussed the balance between fitness assessments such as the well-known Yo-Yo Test and a player’s skill level, highlighting their respective importance.
“Individual fitness varies and can’t be of the same level. So, the players have to be treated differently. You can’t compare a Shami with some youngster who has just come in. You have to understand what the value of Shami is. Do you need Shami to do the Yo-Yo or bowl those many balls in a Test and win India the game?” Mhambrey said.
Initial reports indicate that under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership as head coach, fitness standards may not be the primary focus. The newly appointed coach has previously expressed concerns about this approach, believing that dismissing a player solely based on their Yo-Yo test score is unjust.
“He is among the rare bowlers who eagerly anticipate playing Test cricket”- Paras Mhambrey on Jasprit Bumrah
Ensuring Shami returns to the Indian team is as crucial as managing Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is widely considered one of the best bowlers currently, and India’s performance significantly improves with him on the team. After a busy IPL and T20 World Cup, Bumrah deserves a rest, but he will be needed for the upcoming home season and the Australia tour.
“You’ve got to be smart enough to handle him because he’s one of the very few bowlers who look forward to playing Test cricket. Going forward, there are a lot of Tests to be played alongside securing points for the World Test Championship, and the biggest challenge is in Australia, where you need Jassi at his prime,” Mhambrey said during the aforementioned interview.
Mhambrey also highlighted Bumrah’s commitment to Test cricket, noting his participation in four of the five Tests against England earlier this year, including three consecutive matches. Initially intended to rest him for the third Test in Rajkot, Bumrah opted to continue playing as the series was evenly poised at 1-1 after two Tests.
“We had to give him a break during that long series (against England), either in the third or fourth Test. We had a chat with him and we said the value of the third Test was very important. And the best part was, he agreed to play that game (in Rajkot) and took a break in the next (in Ranchi),” Mhambrey recalled.
Bumrah produced a standout performance as a fast bowler in Indian conditions, claiming 19 wickets at an average of 16.89.
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