IPL 2023: Mohammed Shami is a force to reckon with across formats, says Gujarat Titans director Vikram Solanki

Gujarat Titans’ Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki has hailed Mohammed Shami, stating that he is a force to reckon with across all three formats of the game. Shami, who is known for his upright seam position, has been in terrific form in the ongoing season of IPL 2023.

The GT pack leader has scalped 19 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 16.36 and an economy rate of 7.23 in the ongoing IPL 2023. Shami has bowled accurately with the new ball and has given early breakthroughs to his team in the Powerplay overs. Furthermore, he has also improved his death bowling by manifolds.

Thus, Shami has played a key role in Gujarat Titans’ success as the defending champions have won eight out of the 11 matches they have played.

Solanki feels Shami is leading the Gujarat Titans fast bowling pack from the front and he is an exceptional bowler in all conditions and formats.

“It is tough at the moment for the bowlers. The wickets are better, the batsmen are pushing the boundaries if they have not already. As far as our group is concerned, we have got a very experienced group, very well led by Mohammad Shami and he sets the example for the rest of the group to follow,” Solanki said ahead of their 12th IPL league game against Mumbai Indians.

“To put quite simply, he (Shami) is an exceptional bowler. Regardless of the format and the game situation, you think of his skill-set that he has, it just makes him a force at any given time in any of those formats,” Solanki added.

Former England opening batter showered praise on Shami’s upright seam position, which helps get the best out of the surface in the Powerplay overs.

“We watch his seam presentation in awe and I don’t tire of it when commentators are talking about it, and that’s the case with white ball or red ball cricket – his seam presentation is immaculate,” he said.

Shami has been right on the money for GT and he will look to carry the good show. The fast bowler has also received support from Rashid Khan, who has also scalped 19 wickets in 11 matches for GT.