IPL will help me get back into rhythm: Shami

Kolkata, March 29 (IANS) India pacer Mohammed Shami on Wednesday said that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will help him get back into rhythm.

Shami has not played for India since November last year after playing against England in the third Test. He complained of soreness in his knee and has been ruled out since then.

The 26-year-old, who plays for Delhi Daredevils in the cash-rich league, featured in the final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal and Tamil Nadu, returning figures of 4/26 in 8.2 overs.

He was called to join the India team in Dharamsala but was not part of the playing XI.

“I always try to support my team when I am not fully fit and not playing,” Shami told reporters here, after India’s 2-1 win against Australia in the four-match series.

“The IPL comes at a good time for me as I am fit now and can get into rhythm with the IPL. The platform is there for me, and in IPL it’s all about curtailing wide balls. That will also help me get back into rhythm,” Shami said.

Umesh Yadav was the pick among the fast bowlers in the series, taking 17 wickets in four Tests. Shami heaped praise on his colleague, adding the home team’s pace battery bowled really well.

“Our fast bowlers did a great job. They bowled with pace and there was swing too. Umesh has been brilliant and will continue with his good form in the future as well.”

Shami said skipper Virat Kohli carrying water on the field for his teammates during the Dharamsala Test where he could not play due to injury, was a great gesture and showed how he always wants to contribute to the team’s cause.

“Virat’s gesture of carrying water on the field is a big thing. He always keeps motivating the team. He is always looking to contribute,” Shami said.