Indian frontline fast bowler Mohammad Shami has said that former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan and former Pakistan speedster Wasim Akram helped him evolve as a bowler.
Shami also said to batsman Manoj Tiwary during a live chat session on the internet that he adored cricketers like Sachin and Sehwag in batting and Zaheer Khan and Wasim Akram in bowling while growing up.
Sachin And Sehwag Were My Favourite Batsmen While Growing Up: Shami
“When we were growing up, we used to witness that India and Pakistan used to be the most intense matches. Sachin Tendulkar is a great of the game and I looked up at him when I was growing up. The best pair was of Virender Sehwag and Sachin. When it comes to batting, I used to look up to Sehwag and Sachin,” Shami said.
“When it comes to bowling, I used to look at Zaheer Khan. When India and Pakistan faced off against each other, I also used to like Wasim Akram. Both Zaheer and Akram were left-arm bowlers,” he added.
Shami also recalled how working with his idols Akram and Zaheer Khan helped him as a bowler.
“I Was Shy To Talk To Akram Initially”
He said,” When I came to KKR, I realized the skill and value associated with cricket. I watched Wasim Akram all my life on television, but with KKR, I had the chance to learn from him. For the initial days, I was not even able to talk to him.
“Wasim Bhai came up to me then, and he initiated a conversation with me and he started telling me things about bowling. He read me very fast, he realized what I am all about, I learnt a lot from him. If you have someone experienced close to you, then you should not shy away and try to learn maximum things as well.”
Zaheer Bhai and I did not play much together, but whenever I got the chance to talk to him, he is very helpful. I spent time with him during IPL stint with Delhi Capitals, Zaheer Bhai is very experienced, I just wanted to learn how to go about bowling with the new ball,” he added.
