Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has revealed that following his ankle injury, there have been moments when he feared his worldwide profession was over however his unwavering want to play for the nation again stored him going.
Shami suffered an ankle injury throughout the 2023 ODI World Cup ultimate towards Australia in November, which required surgical procedure.
His restoration was additional difficult by swelling in his left knee, as he was sidelined from worldwide cricket for 14 months.
“From being in great form during the World Cup to suddenly finding myself on the operating table, from that form to being injured was really tough,” Shami advised the ICC.
“For the first two months I often doubted whether I would be able to play again as an injury like this followed by a 14-month break can pull you down,” he added.
The 34-year-old, nonetheless, made a profitable worldwide comeback, enjoying in two T20Is and as many ODI matches towards England earlier this month.
With Jasprit Bumrah injured, Shami will lead the Indian tempo assault within the Champions Trophy.
“My first question to the doctor was ‘how many days until I can be back on the field’. He said my priority is to get you to walk, then jog and then run and thinking about playing competitive cricket is still a distant goal.” The transition from being an energetic athlete to counting on crutches was mentally difficult for Shami.
Also learn | Champions Trophy 2025: Not nervous about Shami’s meagre returns, says Rohit Sharma
“I always wondered when I would be able to put my feet on the ground again, someone who is used to running on the field constantly was now in crutches.”
The first two months had been particularly troublesome, as self-doubt crept in.
“A lot of thoughts used to run through my mind. Will I be able to do it again? Will I be able to walk without a limp? Shami said he was gripped by a sense of fear when he was asked to put his feet on the ground after three months and it felt like he was learning to walk again.
“After 60 days after they requested me to place my ft on the bottom, you will not consider me, however I’ve ever (by no means) been extra scared to place my foot on the bottom,” Shami said.
“It felt like I used to be beginning over, like a toddler studying tips on how to stroll and I used to be nervous about any issues.
Shami’s unwavering want to don the India jersey as soon as again stored him motivated throughout the hardest part of his restoration.
“Courage and passion to play for the country are the biggest motivators, and the desire to wear the India badge on my chest kept me going.
“You endure the ache and take it one step at a time with out complaints or bitterness. The ardour for representing my nation has introduced me this far. It was powerful and there was ache, however with resilience and endurance I made it by way of.
“My motivation has always been to serve my country for as long as possible because once you step away, you’re just like anyone else,” Shami mentioned.
Published – February 20, 2025 11:35 am IST
