IPL 2022: I’m never overawed by the reputation of the batsman – Mohammad Shami

Gujarat Titans gun fast bowler Mohammad Shami has said he is never overawed by the reputation of the batsman he is bowling to.

Shami feels every batter has some weak point and he tries his best to exploit it. The veteran fast bowler will face Jos Buttler in the first qualifier of Tata IPL 2022 and there is no doubt it will be a battle within a battle.

Buttler is currently the highest run-getter of the tournament as he has scored 629 runs in 14 matches at an average of 48.38 and a blistering strike rate of 146.96. On the other hand, Shami has been superb with the new ball for Gujarat Titans in the PowerPlay overs.

Shami has scalped 18 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 22.88 and an economy rate of 7.77. The experienced campaigner can get the ball to swing away from the right-handers and he has all the experience under his belt.

“As a bowler, you should not be worried about things like who’s the highest run-getter. Everyone has a weak point and you can exploit that. You just need to back your skills and keep faith in yourself. I’m never overawed by the reputation of the batsman I’m bowling to,” Shami was quoted as saying.

On the other hand, Jos Buttler was at his absolute best in the first seven matches of the season. Buttler had scored more than 500 runs in the first seven games but he has veered off the track in the last seven matches for RR. The England batter hasn’t been at his best and he will look to return back to form in the all-important qualifier.

“I’ve obviously been delighted with my form in the IPL, but a bit disappointed with the last few games. (In) the first half (of the IPL) I was playing some of the best cricket I’ve ever played, and I’m still taking lots of confidence from that going into the playoffs,” Buttler said.

GT director of cricket Vikram Solanki added his team will look to carry the winning impetus in the playoff stages.

“We can certainly be proud of what we’ve done, but we must look ahead. The team will rely on what we’ve done in the group stages in order to get us through what we hope will be a successful knockout stage,” Solanki said.

Gujarat Titans will face Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Tuesday in the first Qualifier of Tata IPL 2022.