Indian pacer Mohammed Shami recently opened up about the challenging phase of his career when a knee injury sidelined him from competitive cricket for nearly a year. Known for his remarkable performances, Shami revealed the physical and emotional toll his rehabilitation period took on him.
Battling Injury and Rehabilitation
Shami was a standout performer for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup but had been playing through an injury. Following the tournament, he underwent surgery, which forced him to miss key events like the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India emerged victorious, and the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The pacer returned to domestic cricket in November, playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy against Madhya Pradesh. His recovery journey also included participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he proved his fitness and earned a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Facing the Tough Times
In a video shared by the BCCI, Shami opened up about the fears he faced during his recovery.
“When you are performing well, taking wickets, everyone is with you. But the real challenge is knowing who stands by you during difficult times. I waited an entire year and worked tirelessly. There were moments of fear, even while running,” Shami said.
The experienced bowler emphasized how injuries test an athlete’s mental strength and resilience.
“It’s tough for any player to go from being in full flow to getting injured and undergoing rehabilitation. But such challenges make you stronger as an athlete. You repeat exercises, stay mentally tough, and keep working hard. I’ve moved past that phase, and my belief is that hard work always pays off,” he added.
Leading India’s Pace Attack
With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj unavailable for the upcoming T20I series against England, Shami is set to lead India’s pace attack. His return to international cricket brings much-needed experience and skill to the team.
Confidence: A Key to Success
In the BCCI video, Shami also spoke about the importance of confidence in his life, drawing parallels between bowling, driving, and even flying a kite.
“No matter the task—whether it’s flying a kite, bowling, or driving—if you have confidence and self-belief, you can achieve anything. After 15 years, I can still fly this kite, and that’s because of confidence. It’s a crucial part of success,” Shami remarked.
Shami’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief, inspiring athletes to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger.
