India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey recently acknowledged the exceptional talent of Mohammed Shami, crediting the pacer’s dedication and skillset rather than claiming coaching as a key factor in his success. Highlighting Shami’s remarkable ability to consistently deliver the ball with an upright seam, Mhambrey attributed this rare talent to Shami’s own hard work and development.
“If I tell you that coaches could create a bowler like Shami, then I would be lying,” Paras Mhambrey stated in an interview. “If a bowler can land it on upright seam every time then every other bowler in the world will be Shami.”
He further elaborated that Shami’s ability to land the ball with a perfect wrist position and create late movement both ways is a rare skillset not easily replicated. He explained that even when other bowlers attempt to land the ball on the seam, it often straightens up after pitching, while Shami maintains the ball’s movement.
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Mhambrey also praised Jasprit Bumrah, acknowledging the unconventional action that allowed him to generate swing despite its unusual appearance. He emphasized that both Bumrah and Shami have reached a level of dominance that surprised even him.
“I think in Test matches, we had Bumrah, Shami and Ishant (Sharma), who created this kind of magic but frankly speaking, if you ask me now if I would have expected this kind of dominance, I wouldn’t have dreamt of this level of performance,” Paras Mhambrey said.
He went on to cite specific examples, such as bowling out Sri Lanka for 50 and then repeating the feat against South Africa by dismissing them for 80 while India scored 320+. He described these accomplishments as “surreal” and commended the bowlers for consistently performing on the biggest stage.
Mhambrey also reflected on his two-year period with the Indian team under head coach Rahul Dravid. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the bowlers, highlighting key achievements like reaching the WTC final, defeating a strong Australian team, and becoming the first Indian side to win an ODI series in England.
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However, Mhambrey’s focus extended beyond immediate success, emphasizing the importance of building bench strength. He explained that the team identified 3-5 potential bowlers from the next generation and ensured they received enough game time and preparation for international cricket.
Mhambrey challenged the notion that younger players lack the commitment required for Test cricket. While acknowledging that some may prefer white-ball cricket, he emphasized that aspiring bowlers still aspire to excel in the traditional format. He believes that players choose formats based on their individual skillsets and preferences.
Regarding bilateral T20Is, Mhambrey clarified that the absence of players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli doesn’t indicate a lack of importance. He explained that these series serve specific purposes, such as evaluating younger players and observing their adaptability to various situations and pressures associated with representing India.
Mhambrey concluded by reiterating the importance of balance for players like Rohit and Virat, who focus on specific areas of their T20 game. He emphasized that bilateral T20Is provide an opportunity to observe and develop younger players, preparing them for future challenges.
Overall, Mhambrey’s insights highlight the importance of recognizing exceptional individual talent like Shami’s and balancing immediate success with long-term development goals. His emphasis on building bench strength and preparing young players for international cricket reflects a forward-thinking approach that aims to sustain India’s dominance in the cricketing world.
