The recently concluded IPL 2023 witnessed an awe-inspiring performance by Mohammed Shami, the Indian fast bowler. Despite being dropped from the T20 International team, Shami’s exceptional skills and determination shone bright as he clinched the prestigious Purple Cap with 28 wickets. This article delves into the remarkable journey of Mohammed Shami throughout IPL 2023, highlighting his impact, exclusion from the national team, and the significance he holds for Indian cricket.
Mohammed Shami’s Performance in IPL 2023
Shami’s Purple Cap win
As the IPL unfolded, Mohammed Shami’s dominance with the ball was evident. Throughout the tournament, he proved to be a nightmare for the opposition batsmen, consistently picking up wickets and creating havoc. With an impressive tally of 28 wickets, he clinched the Purple Cap, showcasing his prowess as the leading wicket-taker.
Impact on opposition batsmen
Mohammed Shami’s skill and accuracy left even the biggest batsmen of the world struggling to face him. His ability to maintain line and length, coupled with pace and swing, made him a formidable force on the field. Batsmen found it difficult to score runs against him, succumbing to his relentless pressure.
Inclusion in GT franchise
In the mega auction of IPL, the GT franchise secured the services of Mohammed Shami by investing Rs 6.25 crore. This move proved to be a wise one, as Shami’s remarkable performances justified the franchise’s faith in him. He quickly became an integral part of the team, delivering exceptional results.
Exceptional performance in limited-overs cricket
Mohammed Shami’s outstanding performances were not limited to IPL 2023 alone. In recent times, he has displayed remarkable skills in limited-overs cricket, proving his versatility as a bowler. Whether it was the powerplay or the death overs, Shami consistently showcased his brilliance and contributed to his team’s success.
Bowling prowess in powerplay and death overs
Shami’s ability to excel in both the powerplay and death overs sets him apart from his peers. He consistently troubled the opposition batsmen with his precision and variations. His best performance of the season came when he recorded figures of 4 wickets for just 11 runs, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure.
Mohammed Shami’s Exclusion from T20 International Team
Reason for exclusion
Despite his outstanding performances, Mohammed Shami has not been given an opportunity in T20 Internationals since the T20 World Cup 2022. The decision to drop him was made due to concerns over his age and perceived decline in performance. However, Shami responded to this setback not with words but with his on-field performances.
Shami’s response through performance
Mohammed Shami’s exceptional performance in IPL 2023 serves as a fitting response to his exclusion from the T20 International team. Instead of dwelling on his omission, Shami let his bowling do the talking. With his consistent wicket-taking ability and economical bowling, he silenced his critics and showcased his worth.
Dominance on the field
The sheer brilliance and dominance exhibited by Mohammed Shami on the field highlight his unparalleled skills as a fast bowler. Whether it was his ability to swing the ball, hit the right line and length, or maintain a tight economy rate, Shami outperformed his peers and established himself as the number one fast bowler for Team India.
Dot Ball Master
Highest number of dot balls in IPL 2023
One of Mohammed Shami’s notable achievements in IPL 2023 was his mastery of dot balls. He bowled a staggering total of 192 dot balls throughout the season, leaving batsmen struggling to score runs off him. This ability to apply consistent pressure and build dot ball pressure set him apart as a bowler.
Batsmen struggling against Shami
The batsmen found it challenging to tackle Mohammed Shami’s deliveries, leading to a high number of dot balls. His accuracy, pace, and ability to extract movement from the pitch kept the opposition on the back foot. Shami’s dot ball mastery often led to frustration among the batsmen, resulting in wickets falling at the other end.
Mohammed Shami’s IPL Career
Participation in IPL since 2013
Mohammed Shami’s association with the IPL dates back to 2013, where he has showcased his skills and contributed to various teams. Over the years, he has played for four different teams, displaying his adaptability and value as a fast bowler.
Wickets, bowling average, and economy rate
In his IPL career spanning 110 matches, Mohammed Shami has taken a total of 127 wickets at an impressive bowling average of 26.80. His economy rate of 8.44 reflects his ability to maintain control and restrict the flow of runs. Shami’s consistent performances have made him a vital asset for any team he represents.
Consistency in performance
Consistency has been the hallmark of Mohammed Shami’s IPL career. Whether it was swinging the ball early on or executing yorkers in the death overs, he has consistently delivered crucial breakthroughs for his team. Shami’s ability to adapt to different situations and perform consistently sets him apart as a top-class fast bowler.
Mohammed Shami’s Skills and Importance for Team India
Right line, length, pace, and swing
Mohammed Shami’s skills as a fast bowler are unparalleled. He possesses the ability to hit the right line and length consistently, which puts the batsmen under tremendous pressure. His pace and swing further add to his effectiveness, making him a formidable opponent for any batsman.
Standout performance in batting-friendly conditions
Even on batting-friendly wickets, Mohammed Shami has demonstrated his ability to trouble batsmen. His skill in extracting movement and generating swing allows him to create opportunities and pick up crucial wickets. While other fast bowlers struggled, Shami showcased his mastery and made life difficult for the batsmen.
Unmatched talent and value to the team
Mohammed Shami’s performances consistently highlight his unmatched talent and the value he brings to the team. His ability to provide breakthroughs at crucial moments and control the game’s flow makes him an indispensable asset for Team India. Despite being excluded from the T20 International team, Shami’s impact on the field speaks volumes about his importance to the side.
Purple Cap Achievement
Mohammed Shami as the seventh Indian player to win the Purple Cap
By winning the Purple Cap in IPL 2023, Mohammed Shami etched his name in history as the seventh Indian player to achieve this feat. This prestigious award recognizes the leading wicket-taker in the tournament and is a testament to Shami’s exceptional performance and skills as a fast bowler.
Previous Indian winners
Before Shami, Indian players like RP Singh (2009), Pragyan Ojha (2010), Mohit Sharma (2014), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016 and 2017), Harshal Patel (2021), and Yuzvendra Chahal (2022) have also won the Purple Cap. Shami’s inclusion in this elite list further cements his reputation as one of the finest bowlers in the IPL.
Injustice to Mohammed Shami
Dropping Shami from the T20 format
The decision to drop Mohammed Shami from the T20 International team raises questions about justice and fairness. At a time when he is at the peak of his career and delivering exceptional performances, excluding him seems unjust. Shami’s consistent performances in IPL 2023 prove that he deserves to represent Team India in the T20 format.
Unfair treatment to his talent
Mohammed Shami’s talent and skills as a fast bowler have often been underappreciated. Despite his exceptional performances and consistent impact, he has faced criticism and has been subjected to unfair treatment. It is imperative for the selectors to recognize and acknowledge Shami’s immense talent and provide him with the opportunities he deserves.
Expectations for selectors to reconsider
Given Mohammed Shami’s exceptional performance in IPL 2023, it is expected that the selectors will reconsider their decision and give him a chance in the T20 International team. Shami’s skills and experience can prove invaluable in shaping the team’s success. It is hoped that his performance will not go unnoticed, and he will continue to contribute to Indian cricket.
Mohammed Shami’s outstanding performance in IPL 2023, culminating in the Purple Cap win, showcases his incredible skills and impact as a fast bowler. Despite being dropped from the T20 International team, Shami responded emphatically through his performances. His dominance, dot ball mastery, and consistent performance throughout his IPL career establish him as the number one fast bowler for Team India. It is crucial for the selectors to recognize his talent and provide him with the opportunities he rightfully deserves.
What is Mohammed Shami’s best IPL season?
Mohammed Shami’s best IPL season was in 2023, where he won the Purple Cap with 28 wickets.
How many wickets has Mohammed Shami taken in his IPL career?
Mohammed Shami has taken a total of 127 wickets in his IPL career.
Which teams has Mohammed Shami played for in the IPL?
Mohammed Shami has played for four teams in the IPL so far.
What makes Mohammed Shami stand out as a fast bowler?
Mohammed Shami’s ability to hit the right line and length, maintain pace and swing, and consistently trouble batsmen sets him apart as a fast bowler.
Who are the previous Indian players to win the Purple Cap?
The previous Indian players to win the Purple Cap are RP Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Mohit Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
