NEWS
Follow UsMohammed Shami is India’s most prolific wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup history, with 55 wickets. But back in 2019, the right-arm pacer wasn’t even considered a key part of the squad despite finishing the 2015 edition with 17 wickets.
However, when Shami was eventually picked in the setup, he put on a stunning display, including taking a hat-trick against Afghanistan in England, finishing the tournament with 14 wickets in just 35.1 overs. It wasn’t an isolated incident as Shami yet again started on the bench during India’s unbeaten run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
It was only after an injury to Hardik Pandya that Shami returned to the playing XI and, in those seven games, put on a show. Shami emerged out of the shadows of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to scalp 24 wickets at an average of just 10.7.
So, why was Shami ignored in the previous editions?
“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 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 said on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube show, 'Unplugged.'
"In 2019 I did not play the first 4-5 games. In the next game, I took a hat-trick, then picked up a five-wicket haul and then four wickets in the next game. A similar thing happened in 2023. I did not play in the first few games and then picked a fifer, then four wickets and then a five-wicket haul again."
"I neither have questions nor do I have answers. I can only prove myself when I get the opportunity. You gave me a chance, and I took 13 wickets in three matches. Then we lost to New Zealand. Played four matches overall and picked 14 wickets. In 2023, I picked 24 wickets in seven matches."
A puzzled Shami then went on to even question the management on what more they expected from the now 33-year-old.
"The one thing I keep wondering is every team needs players who can perform well. I took 13 wickets in three matches. What more do you expect from me?" Shami questioned the management.
However, Shami’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2024 wasn’t because of politics or his poor form but rather because the pacer was injured. The 33-year-old suffered an injury at the worst possible time, which ruled him out of international games and the Indian Premier League 2024.
Shami revelled in joy after India’s victorious unbeaten campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 and hoped to lift the trophy once fit.
“I believe that whoever took part in that competition, whoever was part of the team, deserved to win it,” Shami said.
“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.
“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.”
If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.
