Mohammed Shami defies BCCI's instructions, exceeds over-quota in Ranji match
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has courted a new controversy. He was specifically instructed by the BCCI to bowl 15-17 overs in the Ranji Trophy. The rationale, behind it, was to manage the work-load of the bowler ahead of the crucial Test series against Australia. But Shami defied the board's instructions as he bowled 26 overs in the first innings against Kerala.
What did the BCCI ask Shami?
The BCCI had asked Shami to take part in the Ranji Trophy Group B encounter at the Eden Gardens. It was done to help Shami get back in rhythm for the 4-match Test series. But, he was instructed to bowl around 15-17 overs per innings.
I decided on my own to bowl extra overs: Shami
Shami, who ended with figures of 3/100 in the first innings, stated that the decision to bowl extra was his own. "When you are playing a match for your state, the important thing is to fulfil your responsibility. I was also feeling well and had no discomfort. The wicket was also doing well so I continued. I decided on my own," said Shami.
Shami hasn't done anything wrong: Our take
It remains to be seen how the BCCI responds to Shami's decision on this matter. However, according to us, the board cannot ask a player to participate in a match and then put limitation on his game-time. Playing for one's state team is a matter of pride and the result must have been on Shami's mind. This spell will help Shami be more prepared.
It was a good preparation: Shami
"It was better to bowl for your team and state rather than practising somewhere else. The more you bowl here the better it will help in Australia. It was a good preparation. For me bowling in a match is the best preparation," said Shami.
Shami is India's leading Test bowler in 2018
Shami played a prominent role for India in the away Test series against South Africa and England this year. The pacer was crucial as the Indian attack picked all the 20 wickets in the matches regularly. Shami is the leading wicket-taker for India in 2018 in Tests (33). Further, he is the 8th-joint most successful bowler in terms of Test wickets in 2018.
