Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has opened up about star pacer Mohammed Shami’s remarkable journey of resilience, revealing how the right-arm speedster battled personal and professional challenges before making a memorable comeback. Shami, who has been out of international cricket since India’s ICC ODI World Cup final appearance in 2023, is currently representing East Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru as he works to reclaim his spot in the national team.

Bharat Arun recalled a challenging phase in Shami’s career back in 2018 when the pacer faced both personal turmoil and professional setbacks. Shami had been dropped from the Indian team after failing a fitness test, leaving him demoralised and contemplating quitting cricket.

“When Shami was going through trauma and a crisis in his personal life, Ravi Shastri spoke to him and told him, ‘Any support you need, please feel free to ask,’” Bharat Arun revealed in a podcast with the Times of India.

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Arun further narrated the defining moment before India’s tour. Shami approached him, saying, “Paaji, mai cricket chor doonga” (I will quit cricket). Arun responded by asking Shami to reflect on his future beyond cricket, emphasising that all he had achieved was because of the sport. Shami was then taken to Ravi Shastri, who encouraged him to channel his anger into his bowling.

The coaching duo sent Shami to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) with a focus solely on regaining fitness. “Three weeks later, he called me and said, ‘Paaji, mai toh abhi ghode ki tarah bhaag raha hoon’ (I am running like a horse),” Bharat Arun said.

This dedication restored Shami’s confidence and fitness, enabling him to play five Test matches in England. Arun highlighted a standout moment in the fifth Test, where Shami, after tea on the final day, bowled a spell at 140 kmph, demonstrating his restored form and resilience.

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Bharat Arun’s account underscores Shami’s determination, hard work, and mental strength, showing how the pacer overcame personal crises and professional hurdles to continue contributing to Indian cricket at the highest level. His journey remains an inspiring example for aspiring cricketers facing challenges on and off the field.