Star India fast bowler Mohammed Shami revealed that India captain Rohit Sharma doesn’t like to face him in the nets. Notably, Shami has been out of cricketing action since the ODI World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury. He underwent a successful surgery in February earlier this year and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to regain fitness.
Recently, the 33-year-old appeared for an interview with Shubhankar Mishra where he spoke about his camaraderie with star India batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. During his chat, the speedster hilariously revealed that the India skipper doesn’t like to face him in the nets.
“Rohit to pehle hi kehta hai ‘mai isko khelna pasand nahi karta’. Woh to pehle hi mana kar deta hai (Rohit says I don’t like to face him, he refuses to bat against me),” said Shami with a smile.
Further speaking ahead, Shami revealed his fun battles with Virat Kohli where they both like to challenge each other.
“Virat se to mera hamesha se rehta hai ki hum ek dusre ko challenge dete hain (with Virat it’s always like we challenge each other). He likes to hit good shots, I like to get him out. The bonding and the friendship reflects in that. It also helps you focus and put in the effort as you simulate (fielding positions), for example, two (imaginary) slips in place, two gully fielders. (So I challenge Virat) to come at me and score runs. We enjoy such things,” said Shami.
Shami’s sensational run in ODI World Cup 2023
Shami had a sensational run in the ODI World Cup 2023 finishing as the highest wicket taker of the tournament with 24 wickets to his name from seven innings. Shami didn’t feature in the first four matches for India but an injury to all rounder Hardik Pandya helped him find a place in the playing XI. The speedster also registered the best bowling figures by an Indian in ODIs during the semi final as he picked 7/57 against New Zealand.
The Amroha-born cricketer has been making good progress in his recovery. His services will be needed by the team during the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.