Riding on his impressive performance in the domestic circuit, Shami today got a India call up after the national selectors named him in the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan.
"Wasim bhai helped me a lot as Kolkata Knight Riders coach. He told me that the key to take wickets is to reverse the ball by bowling 135kmph-plus. He told me if I can reverse swing at that pace then I can be successful," Shami said.
"I have worked really hard after getting his tips. I did some heavy weight training to increase my stamina so that I can bowl at pace consistently. His tips have helped me in getting wickets. I am thankful to him," said the humble 22-year-old right-arm pacer who hails from Sahaspur in the Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh.
Shami registered a match haul of 10 for 107 to bowl Bengal to their first Ranji Trophy victory this season in the previous match against Hyderabad at Eden Gardens. He has also captured 28 wickets from five Ranji Trophy games this season.
"This is the best thing to have ever happened to me. I got to know about this from Saurashish Lahiri and spoke to my parents," Shami said about his selection in the national team.
"I am told that there's already a celebration outside my house with people beating drums and dancing.
"Whatever I am today is because of my parents. They have supported me always and I am lucky to get their full backing," he added. MORE
