Mohammed Shami is bowling like a 22-year-old: Arshdeep downplays fresh injury concerns-OxBig News Network

Star pacer Arshdeep Singh reassured fans that there was no need to worry about Mohammed Shami’s fitness after the veteran bowler was left out of India’s playing XI for the first T20I against England in Kolkata. Arshdeep dismissed any fresh injury concerns surrounding Shami and instead heaped praise on the 33-year-old, likening his bowling to that of his younger self.

Meanwhile, Arshdeep starred in Shami’s absence to become India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is and help the hosts outclass England by seven wickets in the first T20I on Wednesday.

“Just yesterday, I was talking about the same thing with Shami Bhai because when he was bowling, the way the ball was coming out of his hand was absolutely amazing. With every delivery, you would say, ‘Wow, how can such an incredible ball come out of someone’s hand like this!’ Just wait for a few more days, and you’ll get to see that bowling, and you’ll enjoy it a lot. The way the ball is coming out of his hand makes it look like the 22-year-old Shami Bhai is bowling again,” Arshdeep Singh said in the post-match interview with JioCinema.

Shami was seen bowling at the side nets, targeting the stumps ahead of the first T20I. However, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Shami’s comeback would be delayed after opting to bowl at the toss. Despite heavy strapping on his left knee, Shami had bowled at full tilt during all of India’s practice sessions.

Fans and cricket experts then questioned Shami’s fitness, saying if the swelling in his left knee after rigorous sessions continued to trouble the veteran pacer. Suryakumar had confirmed in the pre-match press conference that Shami was fit.

“It’s always good to have an experienced bowler in your side, and he is making a comeback after over a year. I am really excited to see him. I have witnessed his journey—what he did at the NCA, how he focused on his bowling and recovery. It’s great to see him fit and back in the side,” Suryakumar said on Tuesday.

Shami himself said that he was eager to make India comeback. “The hunger to play for the country should never end. If you love it, you will always fight back, no matter how many injuries you face,” Shami said at a Cricket Association of Bengal event.

Shami is expected to make his much-awaited India comeback in the Chennai T20I, as India focuses on fine-tuning their balance ahead of the Champions Trophy.