MS Dhoni said, 'Wow, he is good': Ishant Sharma recalls former captain's words on star India bowler

India have a solid pace attack at disposal. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, etc. form a lethal fast-bowling department for Team India. Ishant, being the senior of the lot, has seen his compatriots' rise over the years. Recently, he opened up on Mohammed Shami and how the West Bengal pacer had impressed former Indian captain MS Dhoni during a net session almost a decade back, in 2013.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, on their 'Rise of New India' show, Ishantrecalled the first time Shami bowled in Team India nets and described it as being “very skiddy”.The 34-year-old further added that Shami was called to the Indian net session in 2013 amid the presence of then captain Dhoni, who was thoroughly impressed with the speedster's skills.

"I had heard of a bowler from West Indies who had a lot of pace, meaning he was very skiddy. His run-up looks normal but he bowled with a lot of pace. So, when we saw him at the net, Mahi Bhai said, "Wow, he is good,"recalled Ishant.

The wily pacer added, "Then he made his debut in Kolkata (versus West Indies in 2013). As far as I remember, he picked nine wickets and helped India win. So after that, we also became very good friends. When he was going through some personal turmoil, whatever had happened to him, I felt he needed a support from someone outside and say to him, 'What happened, happened. If you focus on cricket, may be things will become okay'. May be that is why Shami is a totally different bowler now."

Shami went through a turbulent time in 2018 after his relationship with his ex-wife Hasin Jahan went downhill. While the initial few months were tough for Shami as he failedthe Yo-Yo Test as well, the pacer bounced back in style and there has been no looking back since thenand has in total so far claimed 219, 159 and 24 wickets in 61 Tests, 87 ODIs and 23 T20Is, respectively.

He will next be seen in action in India's second Testof the four-match seriesversus Australia in New Delhi. The match kicks off on February 17.