India's outgoing bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has an advice for Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff on how to manage fast-bowling trio Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Bumrah and Siraj are 30-year-old whereas Shami is 33-year-old and is looking to make a comeback from an ankle injury.
Shami’s last appearance was in ODI World Cup 2023 final. He did not play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for Gujarat Titans (GT) as well. Mhambrey wants Gambhir and the new coaching staff to speak to Shami and ask him how much longer he wishes to play and then use his services smartly.
“We all know what Shami brings to the table,” Mhambrey told The Telegraph. “The staff should talk to him 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?”
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India will tour Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India will play a five-Test series which will be a major factor in deciding whether they will qualify for third consecutive WTC final.
“I’m sure whoever comes with Gauti will find out how to get the best of Shami. If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia,” Mhambrey said.
Don’t compare Shami’s fitness to others
Mhambrey does not want the new coaching staff to judge Shami's fitness levels to be compared with youngsters. He wants them to judge him on the basis of his wicket-taking abilities.
“The primary role of a bowler is to take wickets. If you aren’t skilful, you won’t be in the team. Simple,” Mhambrey further added. “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?”
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