Cricket
Cricket
Mohammad Sharim: “It is my dream to dismiss Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni”
After climbing the ladder of success through Red Bull Speedster, Mohammad Sharim impressed as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals.
Right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Sharim featured as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals in the 2021 and 2023 seasons. During this time, his express pace in the nets showcased why he is seen as a rising star of the future.
A discovery of Red Bull Speedster and Red Bull Campus Cricket, Sharim not only put in hard work in the nets but also took the time to learn the nuances of fast bowling and fitness from legends like Trent Boult, Lasith Malinga, and Stephen Jones.
Here Sharim speaks about his cricket journey, family support, and experience with Rajasthan Royals.
Mohammad Sharim
© Red Bull Content Pool
When did your cricket journey begin? At what age and in which city? Why did you choose fast bowling?
I am a resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. As a child, I only played tennis ball cricket, but at the age of 16, I started playing leather ball cricket. I was passionate about fast bowling and wanted to pursue it seriously. Apart from this, I am also a hard-hitting batsman.
Which fast bowler has influenced you the most? Who is your idol?
My idol has always been Zaheer Khan. I used to follow his bowling from the beginning, and he impressed me a lot. It was only after seeing him that I became obsessed with fast bowling.
How much support did you receive from your family to pursue cricket?
I have received full support from my parents. They have always backed me, whether it was for tournaments or practice sessions.
Can you tell us about your participation in Red Bull Campus Cricket?
I played for Al-Falah University, Delhi, in the 2022 and 2023 editions of Red Bull Campus Cricket, and our team emerged as champions.
You also participated in Red Bull Speedster and climbed the ranks. How was that experience?
In 2021, a friend informed me about a qualifier of Red Bull Speedster being held in Lucknow. I took part in the trials and got selected. After that, I was chosen for Rajasthan Royals’ camp in Nagpur, where selected bowlers got the chance to perform in the nets.
Bowling to players like Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag was a real challenge. We were given specific targets in the nets, and we had to defend them. This experience taught us the mental approach required for bowling.
Mohammad Sharim in Rajasthan Royals net bowling sessions
© Red Bull Content Pool
Do you think programs like Red Bull Speedster can help young players reach the top?
Absolutely! Red Bull Speedster provides young fast bowlers with opportunities to grow. If the bowler progresses from here, then apart from becoming a net bowler in a big team like Rajasthan Royals, he can also become an important part of the team in the future, which is no less than a big opportunity.
How was your conversation with legendary bowlers like Lasith Malinga and Trent Boult? What did you learn?
Lasith Malinga taught me how to bowl yorkers and slower deliveries effectively. He also explained how to read a batsman’s mindset. Trent Boult shared insights on swing bowling techniques.
Who was the toughest batsman to bowl to in RR nets?
In 2021, I found it difficult to bowl to David Miller. In 2023, it was a challenge to bowl to Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Joe Root.
If you could dismiss one player in the league, who would it be and why?
It is my dream to dismiss either Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni.
What do you do to overcome the shortcomings of your bowling?
I am focusing on my pace and variations. In T20 cricket, variations play a crucial role. I am also working on my slow ball and improving on my overall bowling length.
How important is fitness for fast bowlers?
Fitness is essential for a fast bowler because without it, you can’t maintain high speeds for long periods. In T20 cricket, bowling four overs under pressure can be challenging, especially when conceding boundaries. Staying calm and composed is crucial, and fitness helps in that.
What are your future goals as a fast bowler?
My dream is to play in the Indian leagues and become a part of my state team.
