Star Indian seamer Mohammad Shami opened up on India’s push to retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy when the men in blue travel down under for the upcoming edition of the stories series.
In an exclusive with CrickeNext, pacer Shami, who remains hopeful of inclusion in the flight to Australia following his recovery from the injury that had kept him on the sidelines since his star-studded performance in the ICC ODI World Cup in 2023.
Shani revealed that he had nursed himself back to fitness and is pain-free now before targeting a strong showing on Aussie territory when the BGT gets underway next month.
“We are hopeful and will try our best. You guys should pray too. This has become quite big,” the pacer said.
“Our boys won there twice in a row, we should appreciate that too. In 2018 we won for the first time and then in 2020 half of our seniors were absent. This time, a full-strength India, will manage to prevail again,” he expressed confidence.
“I don’t think captaincy has that much of an impact. A team has to perform to win matches especially a Test match which gives you the chance to make a comeback,” the strike bowler added.
Shami also said that preparation is key and that it is challenging for a single player to shoulder all the hopes. He acknowledged the advantage Australia have playing in their own backyard but said India will not be short on preparation.
“Smart, well-prepared teams can bounce back. You can’t depend on one player to win a series. Obviously, they will have the home advantage but India will be prepared,” the seamer added.
India open the tour with a game at Perth, followed by the second Test slated to be held at the Adelaide Oval, and the seamer went on to opine that irrespective of the format, a side needs to have a streamlined approach in order to register success.
India have ghastly memories of Adelaide as the side was bundled out for a paltry score fo 36 runs in the second innings of the Test between the sides in 2020 the hosts posted an 8-wicket win.
“I have always said this: whatever be the colour of the ball, your approach should be the same which in turn will give you similar results,” the 34-year-old added.
He added that the conditions would prove to be different but one needs to back his abilities to be able to produce solid showings on the big stage.
“I admit there’s more swing and bounce, the weather is a little different but you must have faith in your skills,” the pacer added.
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