Mohammad Shami has a great sense of how to dismiss a batsman: Virat Kohli

Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has backed Mohammad Shami ahead of the beginning of the West Indies tour. Kohli states that Shami is a versatile fast bowler who knows how to adjust to various situations and feels that he is ‘more than perfect’ to play the longest format.

“Shami is obviously a very skilful guy and we all know that. He has a lot of ability with the ball. The way he releases and pitches the ball, it’s more than perfect for Test cricket. I mean the line and length that he hits is always attacking no matter how the wicket is,” Kohli said.

“Best thing is if it’s seaming and swinging, he can bowl the conventional line and length. If it’s reverse swinging, he knows exactly where to bring the ball from. He has a great sense and feel of how to get a batsman out. We are working on the aspect of mental strength of his game,” he said. The only thing that Shami might need to work upon is self-confidence and consistency according to Kohli.

Shami will be finally making his comeback after being pushed in the sidelines due to an injury. It took him a lengthy span of 15 months to recover from the injury. Lack of cricket in this period of time may prove to be a cause of concern but Kohli has complete faith in his teammate doing all he can to return to form in time India’s upcoming games.

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“He had a great season before he got injured. He couldn’t play the World T20 due to injury, so I am sure he is eager to make a comeback and prove (his worth) all over again,” said Kohli.

India’s tour of West Indies begins in the third week of July with practice matches in St Kitts.