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Mohammed Shami Reveals The Passion Behind His India Comeback Ahead Of T20I Series
By CricShots - Jan 21, 2025 1:33 pm
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Mohammed Shami is set to return to international cricket during the five-match T20I series between India and England, starting January 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Shami’s last appearance for the national team was in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia, where he finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker.

Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami

The 34-year-old pacer has since endured a 14-month absence due to injury setbacks, missing key tournaments like the T20 World Cup and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ensured Shami had ample time to recover and regain match fitness through domestic cricket.

Shami proved his mettle in his domestic comeback, taking seven wickets in a Ranji Trophy match for Bengal in November, helping secure an important victory. He followed this with strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming 11 wickets in nine games at an average of 25.36. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shami continued to impress, bagging five wickets in three matches at an average of 25.80.

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Speaking about his return, Shami emphasized his unwavering passion for representing India. “The hunger to play for the country should never end. If you love your country, you’ll always fight for a comeback, even after multiple injuries. The thought of leaving cricket never crossed my mind. Whenever I was injured, my only focus was on when I could return,” Shami said at a felicitation ceremony organized by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami worked hard since his injury recovery

He also reflected on the challenges of being away from the game. “Watching the T20 World Cup from the sidelines, I felt the urge to contribute, noticing things from an outsider’s perspective that you might miss on the field. It’s that hunger for the Indian blue jersey that keeps driving me. Every player should have that fire to earn their place back,” he added.

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Shami’s resilience and determination have been the cornerstones of his career, and his return will bolster India’s pace attack. As he prepares to don the Indian jersey once again, fans eagerly await the veteran seamer’s impact in the series against England.