"More than pace, I concentrate on my swing" - Shami Ahmed Interview

Which fast bowlers of yesteryears do you wish to emulate?

It has to be Wasim Akram. He is a legend when it comes to pace bowling.

You have been a part of KKR for a long time. What did you pick up from the ex-bowling coach Wasim Akram?

I worked with Wasim bhai for 2 years and they were the most valuable years in terms of learning about pace bowling. He treats us like friends. I learnt a lot about reverse swing, bowling in right areas and conditions.

What changes in your bowling do you make for a T20, as compared to bowling in an ODI/Test?

With cricket becoming so competitive, one has to make changes to fit the requirements of every format. In T20s, I try to bowl 90% of Yorkers. ODIs are limited formats, so change of pace works in that.

East Zone bowlers Ashok Dinda (left) and Shami Ahmed (right) with Duleep Trophy after beating Central Zone in the Final on February 14, 2012 in Indore

You had played very less domestic matches before being called up for the Indian team. Whereas there are veterans of hundreds of matches who haven’t got a chance. Do you consider yourself lucky?

I was having a good season and I was very focused to take it forward. I played for India A in New Zealand but got injured. I went to South Africa for my treatment and stayed there for two months. Once I recovered, I was desperate to get back to cricket. I played a few domestic matches and ultimately got a call to play for the national side. I had worked pretty hard and of course, some luck helped.

What is the kind of length that you look to bowl on the placid Indian tracks?

Indian wickets are not very good to bowl on. However, they have become a little better than before. I try to bowl in the “good length” areas.

Though known for its spinners, India suddenly has a rich pool of medium pacers. What has changed?

Previously, the wickets in India were not pacer friendly. Now they have become a little bit better. I think India has never had such choices of fast bowlers as they have now.

How much does the IPL experience actually help youngsters like you?

IPL is a great platform for youngsters to showcase their talent and gain some recognition. It highlights you if you are performing well. Also, one gets the feel of what it is like to play alongside reputed international and national cricket icons.

You had a superb West Indies A tour a few months back. How was the experience of bowling on West Indian tracks?

Well, West Indian tracks are not really pacer friendly. They’re just a little better than the Indian tracks. The conditions favoured me though as it was less hot.

This IPL, you spent most of your time on the bench. How do you keep motivating yourself when you don’t get much time on the field?

Once you have played for your country and are in form, the confidence level is very high. Despite of that when you are dropped, it’s like a mental torture. However, I am a very positive person. I kept myself prepared so that whenever I got a chance to play, I was ready to give my best.

Indian pacers are very injury prone and you also have had a few injuries yourself. What do you think is the main reason behind Indian pacers breaking down so often?

Being a fast bowler is a very tough job. It requires lot of energy and stamina. Also, a proper amount of rest to the body is absolutely necessary in order to rejuvenate. However, with the tight schedule one has to follow, it’s cricket throughout the year. Hardly do players get a break. I think this is one of the main reasons why Indian pacers are so prone to injuries.

With the South African tour coming up, are you preparing yourself differently? Do you think you might get a Test call up?

Well, yes I am playing lot of club matches. I am all prepared and ready.