Have never seen Mohammed Shami so lean before, says Virat Kohli

Team India’s search for the third pacer in the team seemed to be a never-ending one until a few months ago. Various players, rookies and experienced players, were tried out over the last few years. However, apart from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, no one else really fitted in. But, Mohammed Shami’s resurgence in recent times seems to be a solution for all the problems.

The pacer, who is a consistent performer in the Test arena, wasn’t really in the reckoning for white-ball cricket. His fitness and form in the first half of last year caused an alarming concern. He was also undergoing a lot of personal life issues and met with a small accident as well. However, Mohammed Shami battled his way through, worked on his fitness and made a comeback into the ODI set-up.

It’s a great sign for Team India

Skipper Virat Kohli is mighty impressed with the way the pacer has fared after coming back into the team. He said that he never saw Shami so lean. Speaking at the post-match presentation after the first ODI against Australia, Kohli said that Shami lost about 5-6 kgs.

“The way Shami has come back into the white-ball set-up after his Test performances, have never seen him so lean before. He has lost 5-6 kgs. He’s running in and bowling so well. The lines and length he’s bowling; got Maxi on 40-odd out with a beautiful ball. He has wicket-taking ability and he’s hungry for wickets,” said Virat Kohli in the post-match presentation.

Kohli mentioned that it’s a great sign for Team India heading into the World Cup. He said that it’ll be great to watch if Mohammed Shami can stay hungry for wickets like this.

“Heading into the World Cup, it’s a great sign for Team India. If he can stay hungry like this and look for wickets and he has the ability to back it up with Bumrah and Kuldeep, it’s gonna be great to stand in the field and watch,” he added.

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