Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India] : After India clinched a four-wicket win against New Zealand in the 21st match of the ongoing ODI World Cup at the gorgeous Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday, speedster Mohammed Shami, who starred for the hosts with a five-for and was adjudged the Player of the Match, said the bowlers hit the right areas and were duly rewarded.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shami said it was very important for him to get a good start for the team.
“When you start, it’s very important that you get a good start for your team. That’s your role. Myself and the other bowlers chose the right areas to hit and fetched the desired rewards. We bowled in the right areas. We did well to restrict them to a gettable score and the result is in front of you,” Shami said.
On the team now getting a break for two or three days, Shami said they will be focusing on recovery as it becomes important when a team has been on the road for a while playing continuous matches.
“See, first of all, recovery is very important. When you play continuous matches, recovery becomes very important. The media or the outside world may think that cricketers get separated from each other when they get about eight days to rest between games. But this is not true. We don’t lose touch or get detached from each other as we remain firm on our common goal of wanting to be better and better. So, there are always some activities related to cricket that keep us together even during a break between games. Practice activities, some games, and football. You keep playing. So, it’s important. There’s no off day. There’s never an off,” Shami added.
On his five-wicket haul, Shami said when someone is turning out for the country in a World Cup, every wicket is important. He stated that he enjoyed all his wickets.
“I enjoyed all the wickets I took. When you play for the country, every wicket that you take is important. Every wicket that you add to your tally is useful. It’s not like I liked one wicket or dismissal more than the other. I enjoy all my wickets,” Shami added.
Stressing that he did not feel “guilty” or sad sitting outside as the team was winning, he said one can only deliver the goods only when presented with an opportunity.
“I was watching the action from the bench. I can only showcase my skills and come up with the performances expected of me when I get a game. However, it is difficult to stay motivated when you are not playing. But if your team is performing and there are positive vibes in the dressing room, I don’t think there’s any reason to feel guilty sitting outside, as you are also a part of the team, a part of the World Cup squad. I think everyone should enjoy each other’s success,” Shami added.
