Mohammed Shami’s frank reply on whether India are ‘better prepared’ for 2023 World Cup: “Don’t think people have any doubts about team’s ability”

Mohammed Shami asserted that people have no doubt about Team India's ability considering the manner in which they have performed in recent years. The fast bowler was responding to a query over whether the Indian team, especially the bowling department, is shaping up well, keeping the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil in mind.

Shami was the Player of the Match for his figures of 3/18 in the second ODI against New Zealand in Raipur on Saturday, January 21. India bowled out the Kiwis for a mere 108 in 34.3 overs and then chased down the target in 20.1 overs, with eight wickets in hand.

In a post-match conference following an early finish to the game, Shami was asked if he felt India were better prepared in the bowling department for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Seeming slightly disappointed with the observation, the pacer replied:

“I don’t think people have any doubts about the team’s ability. The team has delivered very good results in the last 4 to 6 years.”

Speaking about finalizing the team for the 2023 ODI World Cup, he added:

“As for the World Cup, there is still time for it. We have many series to try out more players. It's better to take it match by match.”

While Shami is the seniormost pace bowler in the team, the emergence of Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik has given India additional young options in the bowling department. Asked what kind of role he sees himself playing in the ODI outfit, the 32-year-old wittily replied:

“I see myself doing the same role. Since the day I came in, I have been performing the same role. I try and ensure that I stay in the same role (laughs). I want to stay fit as much as I can and contribute to the team in the big ICC tournaments coming up.”

While Shami starred with a three-fer in Raipur, Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar claimed two wickets each. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with one scalp apiece.

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“It was a bit damp” - Shami on playing first international game in Raipur

The second India-New Zealand ODI on Saturday was the first international match that was played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur. Sharing his experience of the game, Shami commented:

“I have played here before in the Ranji Trophy and in the IPL. Overall the wicket is good over here. It was a bit damp today. It was important for the team to start well. All the bowlers maintained a good line and length and the result is in front of you.”

The stadium in Raipur was inaugurated back in 2008 and became the 50th ground in India to host an ODI match.