Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has recovered from a broken arm sustained during India's Test series against Australia in December 2021.
Shami's participation in the Punjab Kings' 2021 Indian Premier League campaign is not in doubt anymore.
“The injury while batting was unfortunate as I have not had any fitness issues for a long time, but this was something I couldn't do anything about but it is part of the game,” Shami told PTI.
“I always look at the positives. The last season was good for me and hope I can carry that form into the IPL. Because of the injury, I got more time to be ready for a big tournament like the IPL.”
Right-armer Shami's 20 wickets in 14 matches were the most for Punjab during the 2020 IPL. The franchise, however, failed to reach the playoff stage of the tournament.
Punjab's Death Bowling
“We can't change the past. I tried my best last season and also helped the fellow pacers whenever I could. We got good overseas players now. It is a stronger squad so we should do better this time,” he added.
“Your mind has to be absolutely clear in the shortest format. As a unit, we did good work, but lost close matches we should have won. The support staff and players were frank with each other about that. Our death bowling seems better compared to last year, so we should do better.”
The Kings have added Australian fast bowlers Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith to the squad this season. England seamer Chris Jordan has been retained.
More IPL News
The 2020 IPL was hosted in the United Arab Emirates amid the coronavirus pandemic. The competition has returned to India this year. It will be played at six venues.
The Mumbai Indians are the reigning champions and the most successful franchise in the history of the tournament on the back of five titles. They beat the Delhi Capitals in the 2020 final.
The Punjab Kings, who used to be called the Kings XI Punjab, have never won the IPL. The Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi are also still without a title.
The 2021 IPL will start on 9 April. Mumbai and Bangalore will contest the first match in Chennai.
