Worked on strength, fitness; even lost weight, says Shami

the West Indies Test tour in mid-2016, India’s main wicket-taker had bowled 869.2 overs in 16 Tests, not counting the all but washed out final game in Trinidad. The 30-year-old also bowled 21 overs in the England ODI series.

“The injury was not serious. The franchise was magnanimous increasing strength and improving fitness. I have lost weight too. I have tried to iron out flaws. Hopefully, I will be able to give my 100% in Champions Trophy. My aim would be to start from where I left,” Shami said after the Indian team for ICC Champions Trophy was announced.

In the 2015 World Cup, Shami was one of India’s top wicket-takers with 17 scalps. He returned to international cricket in July 2016 and played Tests against West Indies, New Zealand and England. But he was rested for the New Zealand and England ODIs and the Australia Test series that followed them.

He made a comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final in March. Shami is currently playing in the IPL for Daredevils. “This is a very good opportunity for me to get back to match fitness. These eight to 10 matches that I am playing in IPL, before going to England, will help me get into the groove,” Shami said.

The pacer added he has been talking to Zaheer Khan. “During rehabilitation, I spoke to ex-players whenever I got the opportunity. I am lucky to have Zaheer

in Daredevils. He is experienced and working with him always throws up something positive. I get to learn a lot,” he said.

Shami knows India’s pace line-up has players who are all in form and have been playing at the top level consistently.

“We have one of the best pace line-ups in the world. We need to help each other. We have the team to defend the Champions Trophy title,” Shami said.

I am lucky to have Zaheer (Khan) in the Daredevils setup. He is experienced and working with him throws up something positive.