IPL will set the momentum for Australia tour, says KXIP pacer Mohd Shami

IPL is right kind of tournament that allows players to get into groove nicely, an absolute must before y hit Australian shores for two and half months, feels Indian team's premier speedster Mohammed Shami.

Australia-bound India players will fly directly after IPL concludes on vember 10 for much-anticipated tour which is likely to begin with a T20 series followed by four Tests and ODIs.

"It would be great that Australia-bound players are playing IPL. It will set body and momentum perfectly by n," Kings XI pace spearhe told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

India under Virat Kohli achieved historic feat of winning in Australia for first time in 2018-19 but hosts did t have Steve Smith and David Warner back n because of ir involvement in ball tampering scandal. duo's presence would make series even more exciting and Shami said everyone is focused on tour as well.

"I feel it's better that we are playing IPL before a big series. Apart from IPL, everyone is also focused on that tour (Down Under). re is a lot of talk about that series. We will have a good contest." With IPL shifted to UAE, tournament will be held across three venues of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, comprising 60 matches spre over 53 days.

Shami feels unlike in India where y have to fly all over country for away matches, IPL in UAE would be less hectic this time.

"Yes, re're back to back matches, training, travelling that's a bit of heache. But it's a short format, short matches, physically re should t be any worklo issue. This time, re won't be much travelling. You will have to travel just about two hours by bus (when re is a match in Abu Dhabi)."

With R Ashwin joining Delhi Capitals, Kings XI's bowling responsibility will be shouldered by seasoned Indian pacer and Shami said he's up to challenge and would look to take key wickets of ir opponents.

I always try to stand up to role and give my 100 per cent. I will bowl as per situation depends,ds Shami. 

"Obviously being strike bowler, it's important to take key wickets it gives a big relief to team," seasoned pro, with 49 Tests, 77 ODIs and 11 T20Is under his belt," he said.

This time, Kings XI have appointed Anil Kumble as director of cricket operations as former India he coach.

"I've a great bonding with him. It's very important to have a good bonding with coach, you can explain things clearly and it's all about having a clear understanding." Asked about spin legend Shane Warne's suggestion of giving a maximum five overs to a bowler in T20s inste of current four, veteran pacer didn't endorse idea.

We are used to current set of rules. I don't think it will make any difference. format is always heavily stacked up against bowlers." KXIP have been perennial underachievers and barring two seasons -- 2008 and 2014 -- y have failed to make playoffs and finished last thrice (2010, 2015 and 2016). Shami however said that any team should discount KXIP at its own peril.

"You cant underestimate any team in this format. It's been our b luck that we have t been able to lift trophy yet. We h a great start last season. T20 format is all about execution. Our stroke of luck can change any moment." Shami was training at his farmhouse during lockdown and after a practice match on Thursday he feels everyone is regaining ir rhythm.

It's been a long time since we played cricket. Everyone is happy like kids in candy store after getting back to sport y love most. We h a practice match on Thursday, I didn't face any issues. Everyone is getting back to rhythm. I didn't feel much difference (as I was bowling at my farmhouse).

With IPL being std at a time when country is in midst of COVID-19 pandemic, Shami said it's cricketers responsibility to bring smiles back on faces of fans.

It feels great when people cheer us from stium, but in current scenario when that is t possible, it's our responsibility to cheer m up, people who are battling a difficult time.

We can at least do that to our fans. For one season, we can play without crowd, I don't think re would be any issue.Shami furr remembered lockdown months, serving to poor migrants near his house in Sahaspur, Uttar Presh by setting up food distribution centres with help of his friend Umesh.

"For me, it never felt like a lockdown; it just flew away. We were busy since morning arranging food, running six kitchens and in evening I was back at practice. I am really thankful to ministration and people who helped us," he said.

Shami also turned emotional speaking about his daughter Aira, who stays with his estranged wife Hasin Jahan.

I could t meet her during lockdown. She is growing up fast. I miss her a lot, doting d concluded. 

(Im Credits: Twitter/MdShami11)