KOLKATA: Mohammed Shami sets an example in training with his top notch work rate and that is one of the major reasons for his success, feels Kings XI Punjab bowling coach Charl Langeveldt. Shami, who turned 30 this month, was Kings XI Punjab's top wicket-taker last season.
In international cricket, Shami is currently rated as one of the best fast bowlers and he has been one of the main weapons for India captain Virat Kohli in the last few years.
"It's his work rate (that impresses me the most). From Day One he came here…he brings energy to the team," former South Africa seamer Langeveldt told IANS in an exclusive interview from Dubai.
"He sets the standards when it comes to training. That is the key for me. He has been exceptional when it comes down to training. No complaints. He manages his workload very well. He can assess his own bowling. I think his work rate sets an example for younger bowlers," added Langeveldt who has played 6 Tests, 72 ODIs and 9 T20s for South Africa.
Shami had told IANS in an interview a few days back that workload management will be the key in hot and humid conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will take place in the UAE due to the Covid-19 crisis in India.
"The heat is bearable now. We had one or two day practice sessions which were challenging. It has cooled down a bit, but not a lot," Langeveldt said.
"For us, the key is to manage the workload. Typically in a tournament, per week bowlers would bowl around 80-120 balls. If they go higher, then it's a concern so we try and monitor that... the amount of balls they bowl per week. We have been great with the fitness trainer. He gives us weekly feedback on the workload. So we assess that and then we go to practice accordingly."
The 45-year-old also said that young pacers in the team need to step up when needed as squad depth would be the key for a tournament like the IPL. IANS
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