Mohammed Shami’s comeback to international cricket after a 15-month layoff has been nothing but phenomenal. From November 2023 to February 2025, the veteran pacer went through a torrid rehabilitation period after undergoing surgery on his ankles, only to return in India’s Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh in a jaw-dropping fashion.
As if he had not been away at all, Shami hit the ground running, bowling at full speed and dismantling Bangladesh’s batting order with precision and pace. His five-wicket return in the game not only reminded everyone that he is among India’s greatest fast bowlers but also placed his name in the record books.
With 74 ICC white-ball tournament wickets at a mind-boggling average of 15.77, Shami has now taken over as India’s greatest bowler in such tournaments, beating even the likes of Jasprit Bumrah. But while his on-field dominance made headlines, the journey to this point was anything but easy.
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Mohammed Shami’s injury, sustained after the 2023 ODI World Cup final, sidelined him at a time when he was at the peak of his career. At 34, recovering from surgery was always going to be a challenge, and doubts crept in.
“For the first two months, I wondered if I’d ever play again,” Mohammed Shami confessed. Though he was knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2024, his extended layoff from India’s Test season set tongues wagging. Rumours surfaced of knee swelling persisting during practice sessions, putting the clock back.
6th fifer for #MohammedShami, who also is now the highest wicket-taker for India in ICC events.
Can you One like for her ❤️ 😳#IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/LFi4ZF4A9Z
— ֆHahid Siddiqui (@SHAHID_1472) February 20, 2025
However, Mohammed Shami’s determination never wavered. He spent months at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), undergoing extensive rehabilitation and regaining his match fitness through domestic cricket. Training for nearly eight hours a day, he fine-tuned his skills, preparing meticulously for his international comeback.
“I wanted to return to my World Cup form. That hunger kept me going,” he revealed. His diligence worked for him in Bangladesh, when he bowled with blazing speed and spot accuracy, showing everyone that he still has what it takes to dominate.
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With Pakistan and New Zealand waiting to meet India, the comeback of Shami comes just at the right time. During Bumrah’s absence, he has a golden opportunity to take the cue and become India’s leading paceman, bringing to mind his best as India’s one of the strongest pacers.
