• By Namrata Vijay
  • Sat, 20 Jul 2024 05:40 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Star India pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been out of the action since the 2023 ODI World Cup and is also not selected for the upcoming Sri Lanka series, revealed that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma doesn't like batting against him in the nets. Shami suffered an ankle injury after the ODI World Cup and was ruled out of the IPL 2024. He did undergo a successful surgery earlier this year and has been in rehab at NCA for his recovery.

Recently, Shami appeared on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube channel and talked about his relationship with captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli. He admitted that Rohit Sharma doesn't like playing against him during training sessions.

"Rohit to pehle hi kehta hai mai isko khelna pasand nahi karta. Woh to pehle hi mana kar deta hai (Rohit says I don't like to face him, he refuses to bat against me)," Shami said in the video. He also talked about the fun banters he has with Virat Kohli and revealed that they liked challenging each other.

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"Virat se to mera hamesha se rehta hai ki hum ek dusre ko challenge dete hain (with Virat it's always like we challenge each other). He likes to hit good shots, I like to get him out. The bonding and the friendship reflects in that. It also helps you focus and put in the effort as you simulate (fielding positions), for example, two (imaginary) slips in place, two gully fielders. (So I challenge Virat) to come at me and score runs. We enjoy such things," he further said.

Watch the video here:

Shami's sensational run in ODI World Cup 2023

Shami had a successful stint at the ODI World Cup last year as he was the highest wicket-taker, taking 24 wickets after playing in seven matches. He didn't play in the first four matches but after all-rounder Hardik Pandya was ruled out due to an injury, Shami replaced him and was included in the playing XI. He also registered the best bowling figures of 7/57 in the semifinal against the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand.

Shami has been recovering brilliantly and there are high chances that he might be seen in action in the five-match Border Gavaskar Test series in Australia, which will be held in December this year.