Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Mohammed Shami’s impact for Lucknow Super Giants against Sunrisers Hyderabad was shaped as much by preparation as execution, with a newly-developed variation playing a decisive role in the dismissal of Abhishek Sharma.
Lucknow Super Giants spin bowling coach Carl Crowe revealed that the delivery had been worked on just days before the match in consultation with bowling coach Bharat Arun.
“(Bowling coach) Bharat Arun and Shami worked on a new-ball variation four days before the game. He used that very ball to dismiss Abhishek,” Crowe said.
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Shami adjusted his field by moving deep third man to deep point and followed it up with a yorker on the leg-stump line. With the batter set up, he then went wider and slower on the final ball of the over, drawing Abhishek into a drive that produced a thick outside edge to short third man.
Mohammed Shami struck again in his next over, removing Travis Head and tightening his grip on the innings as Sunrisers Hyderabad were restricted to 156 for 9. Shami finished with figures of 2 for 9 in four overs, including 18 dot balls, as Lucknow Super Giants secured their first win of the season by five wickets.
The outing added to Shami’s strong run this season, following a prolific domestic campaign for Bengal in which he claimed 68 wickets across formats. Despite that, he remains out of India’s white-ball plans under coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, even as calls grow for his return with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
Crowe highlighted Shami’s approach to skill development as central to his continued effectiveness.
“I think for all of us, young and old cricketers, you’re never too old to learn a new skill. The fact that in just four days he picked up that skill, executed it in a match and got a wicket is a testament not only to Bharat’s coaching but also to Mohammed Shami’s mindset.
“As a senior player, he’s still very willing to develop new skills and push his game forward. That mindset is fantastic.”
Crowe also pointed to the influence of captain Rishabh Pant, describing him as a leader who creates space for bowlers to express their ideas.
“I would say he definitely empowers his bowlers. He is very keen to hear their views in team meetings and is interested in understanding their perspectives and plans. Personally, I’ve really warmed to him.
“One thing he does really nicely, it may seem small, is that when he enters the room as captain, he says ‘hello’ to every single person and shakes their hand. As a leader, that makes you feel welcome and that you belong, and I really like that about him.”
He added that Pant’s leadership style has been evident in the way he engages with players on and off the field.
“He’s definitely an empowering, players-first type of captain from what I’ve observed so far. Of course, he still guides and offers suggestions when needed. As a keeper, it can be difficult at times when you’re 30 yards back to run up to the bowler and give advice, but he has experienced players like Aiden and Nicholas around him to help with that.
“I’ve been really impressed with Rishabh. He genuinely wants the team to do well. The other day I heard him say, ‘What else can I do for the team?’ When your leader thinks like that, the players naturally follow,” he said.
Crowe also played down concerns around the absence of Mayank Yadav, pointing to the depth in the squad.
“Mayank is, of course, a fantastic bowler, but we currently have eight, nine, even ten quality seamers. It’s a very tough side to get into,” he added.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
