Fresh off a match-winning performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mohammed Shami goes to his 'home' field, Eden Gardens, to face the Kolkata Knight Riders, sending a subtle message to the opposition. The troubled Kolkata Knight Riders, who are winless after three matches, face the Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday in their third consecutive home encounter.
"You always have that home advantage playing at Eden Gardens," Shami said on Tuesday, alongside Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane and his deputy Rinku Singh, at the Bengal Pro T20 League's third season launch.You understand the circumstances and pitch behaviour because you've played and spent a lot of time on that ground.

"So that benefit is always there. If I come here and play against KKR, there will be some advantage for me being a 'local'." The quick bowler bowled 2/9, including 18 dot balls, as Rishabh Pant's side won their opening match of the season, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets in Hyderabad.
Despite his regular performances for Bengal after returning from injury, Shami has not been called up to the national squad. He was among the top six wicket takers in the just concluded Ranji Trophy, with 37 wickets at an outstanding average of 16.72.

Shami's 8/90 performance helped Bengal reach the semifinals, however the team lost to champions Jammu & Kashmir after leading in the first innings.Shami said, "We are like labourers; all we have to do is keep bowling."Despite life's ups and downs, including injuries, it's important to remember the value of hard effort.If you chase too many 'fancy things', it becomes a weakness. Everyone nowadays is after social media." The Uttar Pradesh-born pacer maintained his deep connection with Bengal, calling it his 'karm bhoomi', and insisted that his passion for the game is unwavering.

"I was born into a farmer's family and have not forgotten my beginnings; as a footballer, I still feel that hunger. To continue playing at that level, you must possess the necessary drive.Domestic cricket is equally important to me as any other format. I emphasise domestic cricket and consider Bengal to be my 'karm bhoomi', despite being born in Uttar Pradesh."As long as I have the strength and motivation, I will continue to play for Bengal," he said.