India star Mohammed Shami has talked about the challenges he faced during the prolonged injury that kept him out of the national team since the ODI World Cup finals.
The ace pacer recalled the times he went through while being out of action due to injury concerns. He missed plenty of bilateral series and couldn’t play in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the Indian Premier League 2024.
BCCI uploaded a video where Shami can be seen flying a kite and talking about his injury recovery.
“Doesn’t matter if it is flying a kite, bowling or driving a car, if you are strong and believe in yourself, then, I don’t think you will find any difference. Look even after 15 years, I am able to fly this kite. Hence, confidence is very important for any task,” Shami said.
After testing times & a long wait, he is back to don the blues 💙
For Mohd. Shami, it’s only “UP & UP” 👆🏻 from here on
WATCH 🎥🔽 #TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @MdShami11 | @IDFCFIRSTBank https://t.co/V03n61Yd6Y
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 22, 2025
Shami has been named in India squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 after proving his fitness by playing in the ongoing Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
“When you are scoring runs and taking wickets, everyone is with you. But the real test is to realise who is with you during tough times. I waited for an entire year and I worked very hard. There was a sense of fear even while running,” Shami said.
“It is difficult for any player to get injured after being in full flow, go to the NCA for rehabilitation and then make a comeback.”
“When you go through injuries, I feel you grow stronger as an athlete because you have to repeat a lot of things while being mentally strong. Whatever is done, it is done. I have crossed that phase.”
“If you work hard, you will get the result. That’s what I believe,” Shami added.
The 34 year old was the leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps in the ODI World Cup where India finished as the runners after facing defeat in the finals of the tournament against Pat Cummins led Australia.
However, he has returned to the squad for the England tour of India 2025 which begins with the T20I leg on January 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
