Even more so during the just-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the void left by Mohammed Shami’s absence from the national team was palpable. Shami is one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers. Anxietiest fans have been waiting for his comeback in the hopes that he will be instrumental in this year’s Champions Trophy. Nonetheless, Shami has endured excruciating pain throughout the wait.
Shami discussed his tough time in a heartfelt interview with Anandabazar Patrika. “Playing is everything to a player. The ball represents my existence. Without being able to catch the ball, how can I possibly appreciate that life? He owned up to the fact that life had gotten really tough.
Shami missed the Australian trip because of a knee injury, but he has been quite busy in domestic cricket, playing for Bengal in a number of forms. India suffered a 3-1 series defeat without him.
Shami has optimism despite all these failures. As he described how the Indian shirt gave him strength, his resoluteness is on full display. “Playing for your country is the greatest motivation there is.” Says Shami. While he was recovering at Bengaluru’s National Cricket Academy (NCA), he would see himself wearing the Indian shirt, which served as a constant reminder of his ultimate objective. I didn’t require any further inspiration,” he said.
Shami is focused on his aim of returning to the Indian squad at the age of 34, determined to give it his all. The fact that he kept playing even when things became tough showed how much he loved cricket and how much he loved wearing the Indian uniform.
