Mohammed Shami, who has made a killing with the white ball in ICC events, reaffirmed his attacking strategy on Thursday by saying that his sole target at international events is to pick up wickets even at the cost of runs.
"In ICC matches, I don't mind getting hit; I am only interested in taking wickets. Economy rate doesn't come to my mind at all. I used to spend eight hours a day in the NCA, hunger-stung. Unless you have hunger, you will not reach where you want," Shami uttered during the post-match press meet.
Coming back in a blaze of glory to ICC tournaments, Shami set the tone with a magnificent five-wicket performance, helping India to a six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy group match. His 5/53 came in handy as India dismissed Bangladesh for 228, leaving Bangladesh to chase comfortably by Shubman Gill (101), Rohit Sharma (41), and KL Rahul (41).
Thinking of his return following a long 14-month layoff due to injury, Shami conceded that it was tough. "It was difficult after so long a time. It pinched, it hurted. But I got the opportunity to find some form through domestic cricket, and that gave me the ability to produce this sort of performance," he stated.
Looking forward to the high-pressure showdown against Pakistan on February 23, Shami was not rattled. "After a win, confidence is always high. My mindset will remain the same. No problem at all," he said.
As he delivered his dream spell, Shami also wrote his name in history as India's top wicket-taker in 50-over ICC tournaments. His five-wicket haul left him with 60 wickets, breaking former pacer ace Zaheer Khan's record of 59. Interestingly, Shami did it in 19 innings compared to 32 by Zaheer.
The 34-year-old has also been a force to reckon with in ODI World Cups, with 55 wickets in three editions, including an incredible 24 in the 2023 tournament in India. His most recent five-wicket haul was also his sixth in ODIs, which made him the Indian bowler with the most five-wicket hauls in the format.
Shami had already begun strong internationally before the Champions Trophy, playing two T20Is and two ODIs against England this month. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to injury, he now leads India's pace attack at the tournament.
Read also| Champions Trophy: Shami Becomes Fastest Indian to Take 200 ODI Wickets
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