“I’m always fired up to do well for my country,” said Proteas spin bowler, Tabraiz Shamsi, upon finding that he became the world’s top ranked bowler in T20 internationals. 

While team performances and rankings take precedence over personal milestones, Shamsi is aware that “it is individuals that have to try and perform and make the team win games.”

Shamsi’s ascent to the top of the rankings vindication that “I’m doing the right things.” His focus is on “trying to make the team win and make our country proud.” 

This season, which has been particularly challenging for players owing to life in bio-bubbles, away from their families for longer periods than usual, has taken its toll on players, including Shamsi.

However, Shamsi believes, “At the end of the day, we have to go out there and do ours jobs, and bring happiness to our nation. If you put that the front of your mind, it makes it easier.”