Indian speedster Mohammed Shami has revealed how tough it was for him to return to international cricket after suffering an ankle injury in 2023 and he also said that there were times when he thought he would never get another opportunity to play again as well. However, Shami had injured his ankle during the ODI World Cup in 2023, which kept him out of action for over a year.

He had not played since India’s loss against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where they were the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. However, Shami made a successful return to professional cricket through Bengal’s fifth-round match in the Ranji Trophy against Madhya Pradesh at Indore, where he took seven wickets as well. He also played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy for Bengal, picking up nine wickets in 11 games at an economy rate of 7.85 as well.

“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. 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,” Shami told the ICC.

ALSO READ: “Aap Lucknow ke naye nawab hain” – Aakash Chopra on Rishabh Pant’s appointment as LSG captain

“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. 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? “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 said.

Mohammed Shami also added that the desire to once again play for Team India on the big stage gave him the strength to push through the pain of injury as well.

“After 60 days when they asked me to put my feet on the ground, you wont believe me, but I have ever been more scared to put my foot on the ground. It felt like I was starting over, like a toddler learning how to walk and I was worried about any complications. 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,” he shared again.

“You endure the pain and take it one step at a time without complaints or bitterness. The passion for representing my country has brought me this far. It was tough, and there was pain, but with resilience and patience I made it through. 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. Today, by the grace of god I am playing for India again and feeling much better,” Mohammed Shami concluded.