Watch: Mohammed Shami Reflects On Year-Long Injury Battle, Eyes Triumphant Return To International Cricket – News18

Last Updated:January 22, 2025, 11:11 IST

Mohammed Shami opened up about his year-long battle with injury and how he tackled his fears to make a comeback to international cricket ahead of the T20I series opener against England.

India’s veteran pacer, Mohammed Shami opened up on his journey to return to international cricket has been. The fast-bowler has been out of action for over a year and is lined up to make a comeback during the upcoming T20I series against England which begins in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Shami in a video interview shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), revealed his fears when he could not play the sport. He even expressed how difficult it is for a player who was in the kind of form he was to be forced out of action and work on his fitness and rehabilitation.

The Indian veteran pacer had a campaign to remember during India’s ODI World Cup 2023 run on home soil. He picked up 24 wickets in only seven games to help them go to the final. But since then, he has struggled with injuries, underwent surgery for his ankle and faced setbacks during his road to recovery.

“I have worked hard for 1 year, I mean I was scared. What is going to happen and what is not? It is difficult for any player to get injured when in that flow, go to NCA again for rehab and come back there,” Shami shared.

“I know that whatever happened has happened, we have passed it, we have crossed it, and the one who will give the result is the one upstairs. If you work hard, then you will get the result. I believe the same thing,” he added.

The 34-year-old credited his resilience or stubbornness behind his successful recovery. In addition, he always keeps fighting to get back on cricket’s biggest stage to represent his country, an added motivation.

“When we are little, our parents teach us to walk, so we fall, and get up but do not stop learning to walk, so you should not give up your stubbornness. Even if you fall, you have to stand up and walk again, so similarly in the same profession, if you get hurt, you have to work hard for your team, your country, so I always say this, keep fighting, keep moving forward,” he concluded.

Shami’s performances in the upcoming white-ball games will be crucial. The BCCI selectors will keep a close eye on his performance and fitness which will likely be assessed for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.  With the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah battling fitness concerns, Shami’s form and presence in the side becomes necessary should they go far in the tournament.