Mohammed Shami given 2 more matches or else..

Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu said that Mohammed Shami lacked rhythm and confidence in his comeback match during the third T20I against England in Rajkot. However, Ambati Rayudu expressed confidence that Mohammed Shami would regain his bowling form in the next couple of games.

Shami returned to the Indian team after 14 months. He was included in the squad for the England T20I series but did not feature in the first two games before making his comeback in the third match. It is worth mentioning that it was his first international game since the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia.

The Body Remains in Good Shape, But - Ambati Rayudu

Speaking on Star Sports, Ambati Rayudu said that regaining confidence after an injury takes time. He added that Mohammed Shami’s rhythm depends on his run-up and speed at the crease, which seemed lacking in his comeback match. Rayudu believes Shami will find his rhythm after a few games.

“I think his rhythm builds when he runs well during his run-up and comes to the crease at a good speed. Today, I couldn’t see that much. Having confidence about your body is extremely crucial for a player after injury,” said Rayudu on Star Sports.

"Players who’ve gone through injury will tell you that it takes time after returning. The body remains in good shape but the confidence in one’s body to put in the extra effort comes with time. Hence, I feel Shami will pick up his rhythm after a couple of games,” he added.

You Have Butterflies in Your Stomach - Mohammed Shami

In the same interaction, former cricketer Piyush Chawla agreed with Ambati Rayudu, stating that one is bound to have butterflies in his stomach when making a comeback after a long break. Chawla said that Shami was returning to international cricket after 436 days, which may have affected his rhythm.

"When you make a comeback to international cricket after so long, you have butterflies in your stomach. No matter, how much you’ve played in the past when you come back to the team after a long gap of 436 days, there were some nerves there," Chawla said.

"He didn’t look in his usual rhythm, every player takes 1-2 matches. The good thing is that he played a game and bowled three overs and the way he ended his spell. I feel the more he plays, the better he will get," he added.

Mohammed Shami Went Wicketless in His Three Overs in Rajkot

Mohammed Shami was expected to feature in India's Test series in Australia but missed out due to knee swelling after playing domestic matches. He recovered from a long-standing injury but was unable to make the squad. Shami later replaced Arshdeep Singh in India's playing XI for the third T20I against England.

The pacer's return didn’t go as planned. He bowled three wicketless overs, conceding 25 runs. The right-arm seamer gave away 15 runs in his two-over spell with the new ball and later bowled the 19th over, where he conceded 10 runs. England won the third match by 26 runs to reduce the series deficit to 2-1.

Also read: Hardik Pandya ripped apart, given belt treatment by former Mumbai Indians star for Dhruv Jurel move