Mohammed Shami sets an example in training with his top notch work rate and that is one of the major reasons for his success, feels Kings XI Punjab bowling coach Charl Langeveldt. Shami, who turned 30 this month, was Kings XI Punjab’s top wicket-taker last season.

In international cricket, Shami is currently rated as one of the best fast bowlers and he has been one of the main weapons for India captain Virat Kohli in the last few years.

“It’s his work rate (that impresses me the most). From Day One he came here…he brings energy to the team,” former South Africa seamer Langeveldt said in an exclusive interview in Dubai.

“He sets the standards when it comes to training. That is the key for me. He has been exceptional when it comes down to training. No complaints. He manages his workload very well. He can assess his own bowling. I think his work rate sets an example for younger bowlers,” added Langeveldt who has played 6 Tests, 72 ODIs and 9 T20s for South Africa.

Shami had said in an interview a few days back that workload management will be the key in hot and humid conditions in the UAE. The 13th edition of the IPL will take place in the UAE due to the Covid-19 crisis in India.

“The heat is bearable now. We had one or two day practice sessions which were challenging. It has cooled down a bit, but not a lot,” Langeveldt said.

“For us, the key is to manage the workload. Typically in a tournament, per week bowlers would bowl around 80-120 balls. If they go higher, then it’s a concern so we try and monitor that... the amount of balls they bowl per week. We have been great with the fitness trainer. He gives us weekly feedback on the workload. So we assess that and then we go to practice accordingly.” The 45-year-old also said that young pacers in the team need to step up when needed as squad depth would be the key for a tournament like the IPL.

“We have got a good bowling attack. Mohammed (Shami) is exceptional. He was the leading wicket taker (for us) last time. So we got a good variety and that is the key. It is also important to have depth in your squad.”

Quarantine is all about being positive in life, says Zinta: Actress Preity zinta shared what the quarantine life means to her after reaching the UAE for the forthcoming season of IPL.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, she posted a video and wrote: “Day 2 of Quarantine is all about being positive in life and crossing your fingers and praying that you are negative post a Covid test.”

“It’s always a bit scary when you take this test so fingers crossed. Take care n stay safe guys... love you all. #Ipl2020 #PzIpldiaries #quarantinelife #Day2 #Dubai #Ting.”

In the video, she also said how people are being “nasty” to each to other online and that should stop.

Preity co-owns the IPL team Kings XI Punjab, and is in Dubai for the new season of the Twenty-20 tournament that starts on Sept.19.

IPL a good warm-up for India-Australia series, says Chappell:  Former Australian captain Ian Chappell says the coming IPL season will be good practice for India’s players ahead of their highly anticipated series Down Under in December.

Indian and international Cricketers -- including several Australians - are currently in the UAE ahead of the virus-delayed Twenty20 tournament.

The coronavirus pandemic halted major sporting events around the world, with players forced indoors and unable to train with the teammates.

Virus concerns mean India are unlikely to have any practice games before they tour Australia for four Tests and three one-day internationals in December-January.

“With venue bubbles, isolation rules, social distancing, and a number of changes to playing conditions, adapting to international competition has been testing for players,” Chappell wrote on the Cricinfo website.

“It’s made life difficult and different even in a team environment but imagine the individual’s dilemma in enforced isolation with a tour looming.”

Royals welcome back Warne as brand ambassador, mentor: Rajasthan Royals on Sunday named legendary cricketer Shane Warne as their brand ambassador for the second year in a row.

For the upcoming edition, Warne will also add the role of team mentor to his duties for the season, a statement said.

Warne’s trip to UAE will see him working with Royals’ management team to strengthen their international fanbase and wow the Royals’ existing and potential sponsors with his exceptional cricketing knowledge and foresight.

As a team mentor, Warne will work alongside head coach Andrew McDonald. He has been teammates with McDonald from 2003-07 for Victoria. He will also join up with Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket at Rajasthan Royals, who was with Warne during the inaugural season and together won the tournament back in 2008.