(Source X)
Mohammed Shami, the seasoned pace bowler from India, has been sidelined since the conclusion of November 2023, marking India’s ODI World Cup final against Australia as his last international appearance. Following the tournament, Shami has been managing an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup, coupled with reports of requiring knee injections during the event. His recovery process forced him to miss the IPL 2024, the T20 World Cup, and the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
Recently, Shami created a stir on social media by sharing a snapshot from his rigorous training session, signaling his imminent return to the Indian squad. In a candid conversation with YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra, he delved into various facets of Indian cricket and candidly addressed his absence during the T20 World Cup.
Prior to Shami, Amit Mishra featured on his show and dropped some surprising revelations concerning Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma. Shami disclosed that his absence from the T20 World Cup was due to fitness issues. He expressed his desire to communicate his emotions about missing out on the T20 World Cup with his fellow teammates.
“If I’m unfit today and sitting at home, I can only watch the sport as a fan. Those players are my friends and colleagues, I can only let them know what I feel from the outside to help them play better. There isn’t much in our hands. As far as the winners’ medal is concerned, I also dream to win the World Cup,” he added.
Shami expressed his determination to return stronger after being sidelined from the T20 World Cup. During his discussion, he reflected on his standout performances for India in the ODI World Cups of 2019 and 2023.
In the 2019 edition, Shami showcased his prowess with the ball by claiming 14 wickets in just four matches, highlighted by a memorable hat-trick against Afghanistan. His exceptional form continued in 2023, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps, playing a pivotal role in India’s flawless journey to the final.
“I’ve never run away from situations, nor have I taken an easy way out of things. The more adversities I face, the stronger I become. I have more clarity. You look at 2015, I had the most wickets. In 2019, I was the best performer. Same in 2023. Whenever I will get the opportunity, I will give my 100 percent” Shami added.
In Shami’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah assumed leadership of India’s pace attack during the T20 World Cup, claiming 15 wickets and earning the Player of the Series accolade. Arshdeep Singh also made a significant impact with 17 wickets. Rested for the Zimbabwe series, Bumrah and Arshdeep’s absence provided opportunities to Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Tushar Deshpande to showcase their skills.
As Shami continues to miss out on the Sri Lanka series, Mohd Siraj, Khaleel Ahmed, and Arshdeep Singh have been named in the T20I squad. Additionally, all three, along with Harshit Rana, have secured spots in India’s ODI squad.
Felling Better Now, Pain Has Started to Subside: Mohammed Shami
Wrapping up his chat with Shubhankar Mishra, Shami provided a reassuring update on his fitness, expressing eagerness to stage a comeback in the near future.
‘I’m feeling better now. I’m able to train better now. The pain has started to subside. But when you start giving your body load, the stiffness begins to take over. But one gets used to it over time. I’m starting to get back on the track. I hope (the comeback) is soon” Shami concluded saying.
