ICC World Cup 2019 | Did exactly as MS Dhoni suggested, reveals Mohammed Shami
BCCI
Mohammad Shami has revealed that it was at the suggestion of former captain MS Dhoni that he decided to bowl a yorker to complete his hat-trick during yesterday’s narrow win against Afghanistan. India currently occupy the third position on the points table behind defending champions Australia.
India narrowly escaped what could have been one of the biggest upsets at the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 against minnows - Afghanistan. The Indians had one individual in specific to thank for yesterday’s crucial win and that was third-choice pacer Mohammad Shami who played his first game of the World Cup in place of injured Bhuvaneshwar Kumar.
Shami was pivotal to yesterday’s win as he picked up a hat-trick in the final over of the match yesterday which included the wicket of in-form Afghanistan all-rounder - Mohammad Nabi. The Bengal pacer gave former World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni credit after the latter suggested Shami to bowl a yorker for the hat-trick delivery.
"The plan was simple. To bowl a yorker and even Mahi bhai suggested that. He said, 'Don't change anything now as you have a great chance of getting a hat-trick. It's a rare opportunity and you need to do the same thing. So I did what exactly I was told," Shami said after the game, reported India Today.
The veteran India pacer added that he is focussed on making good use of the opportunities that come his way. Shami pointed out that Mohammad Nabi's knock in the thrilling run-chase gave Virat Kohli & Co. a bit of a scare.
"Getting a chance in the playing XI is a bit of luck. I was ready that whenever I get a chance, I will have to utilise it. As far as hat-trick is concerned, it is a rarity at least in the World Cup. I am happy.
"There was a point when Nabi's flow was irritating but it's better if you don't show your concern or irritation which the batsman would have gauged. We shouldn't show our weakness. From the exterior, we should always show aggression. We knew that if Nabi was out, then match belongs to us. He was the only batsman who could have built their innings," Shami added.
