Mohammed Shami. File photo: AFPKolkata: India pacer Mohammed Shami on Wednesday said that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will help him get back into rhythm.
Shami has not played for India since last November after featuring in the the third Test against England. He complained of soreness in his knee and has been ruled out since then.
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The 26-year-old, who plays for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL, featured in the final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal against Tamil Nadu, returning figures of 4/26 in 8.2 overs.
He was called to join the India team in Dharamsala, but was not part of the playing eleven which took the field in the fourth and final Test against Australia.
"I always try to support my team when I am not fully fit and not playing," Shami told reporters here, after India's 2-1 win against Australia in the series.
"The IPL comes at a good time for me as I am fit now and can get into rhythm with the IPL. The platform is there for me, and in IPL it's all about curtailing wide balls. That will also help me get back into rhythm," Shami said.
Umesh Yadav was the pick of the fast bowlers in the series, taking 17 wickets in four Tests. Shami heaped praise on his teammate, adding the home team's pace battery bowled really well.
"Our fast bowlers did a great job. They bowled with pace and there was swing too. Umesh has been brilliant."
Shami said skipper Virat Kohli carrying water on the field for his teammates during the Dharamsala Test where he could not play due to injury was a great gesture and showed how he always wants to contribute to the team's cause.
"Virat's gesture of carrying water on the field is a big thing. He always keeps motivating the team. He is always looking to contribute," Shami added.
