One of the biggest challenges before Gautam Gambhir-led India’s coaching staff will be to manage the ageing trio of fast bowlers that includes Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
While Bumrah and Siraj are still 30, Shami is 33 and considering their workload, it will be imperative to give them proper rest to keep them fully fit and fresh for major tournaments.
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The Rahul Dravid-led support staff did an excellent job with Bumrah though who made his return after a long injury layoff last year in August but played in nearly every big tournament including the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, home Test series against England and the recent T20 World Cup.
With Shami though it will be a bigger challenge since he’s no longer a spring chicken and therefore, more prone to injuries. Currently, he’s undergoing recovery from an ankle surgery and hasn’t played any competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup final in November last year.
India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey feels that the new staff, led by Gambhir, must speak with Shami to find out how much longer he hopes to continue playing and the ways to use ‘him 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?”
India’s biggest challenge now is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year for which they will be in Australia. The team, expected to be lead by Rohit Sharma, will play five Tests and a positive result will go a long way in deciding whether they qualify for the final of the ongoing World Championship cycle.
“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.
However, he has cautioned against judging Shami solely on his fitness levels and it shouldn’t be compared with that of a youngster.
“The primary role of a bowler is to take wickets. If you aren’t skilful, you won’t be in the team. Simple,” Mhambrey said. “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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