Mohammed Shami’s journey back to the Indian cricket team has been nothing short of remarkable. Following his standout performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup where he played a crucial role in India’s dominant campaign, an ankle injury forced him out of action for nearly a year. His absence was felt during India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup run but he remained focused on his recovery, undergoing surgery and a grueling rehabilitation process.
Making his domestic return in November last year and subsequently earning a recall to the national side in January, Shami worked relentlessly to regain his place. His selection for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy was a testament to the team’s faith in his abilities. On Thursday, he justified that trust with a sensational five-wicket haul in India’s opening match of the tournament in Dubai, reaffirming his status as one of the most formidable pacers of the country.
In the process, Shami etched his name in the record books, surpassing Zaheer Khan as India’s leading wicket-taker in ICC 50-over tournaments. With 60 wickets from just 19 innings, he outpaced Zaheer’s tally of 59 wickets in 32 innings, solidifying his reputation as a big match player. His brilliance in global events was evident in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 24 dismissals in just seven matches.
Reflecting on his consistent success in the ICC tournaments, Shami emphasised that he prioritises wickets over economy rates and he doesn’t mind getting hit in the ICC events. His approach remains aggressive, focusing on breaking partnerships rather than restricting runs. He admitted that the time away from cricket was challenging but his hunger to perform never reduced. Spending hours training at the National Cricket Academy and competing in domestic cricket helped him regain his rhythm, ultimately leading to his superb performance.
India’s comprehensive six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their opening match has set the tone for the tournament. As they prepare to face arch-rivals Pakistan in their next Group A fixture on Sunday, Shami remains confident, asserting that the team’s mindset will remain unchanged and that they are fully prepared for the high-stakes encounter.
