Top speeÂdster Mohammed Shami shared heÂ’s fighting hard to bounce back from an ankle injury. He aims to be fit for selection in the approaching home Test series veÂrsus England. This five-test eveÂnt will kick off in Hyderabad on January 25.
The veteÂran, at 33 years old, has been sideÂlined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final due to the same ankle injury. ConseÂquently, Shami sat out throughout the South African tour, and including the tieÂd two-Test series.
The right-arm pacer is expected to miss the first two Test matches of the England series, according to reports that have lately surfaced.
After accepting the esteemed Arjuna Award, Shami talked to India Today in response to a query on his availability for the England Tests.
“I am trying best to be available for the selection for England Test series but test match is longer format so you don’t want to be in doubt.”
Mohammed Shami
Shami also spoke about his plans for the T20 World Cup in June.
“Whenever it comes to T20s , many times I don’t understand that whether I am in scene or not,” he said. “But what I feel is that you have IPL before the T20 World Cup and that is the best opportunity to bring in momentum, and if management will ask me to play, I’ll be available.”
Mohammed Shami
This weeÂk, three T20Is await India. They’re going up against Afghanistan. The first match is on Thursday, January 11.
RemembeÂr Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? Like them, Shami also took the fieÂld. He was there wheÂn India lost the semi-final to England in the 2022 World Cup. That was the last T20I he played.
“Its biggest achievement of my life” – Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami deÂscribed receiving the Arjuna Award as his ‘greatest honor’. He praiseÂd his family for their continuous encouragemeÂnt.
At 33, Shami shone in Team India’s 2023 World Cup performanceÂ. He took a notable 24 wickets in just seÂven games. Despite a final loss to Australia, his immense contribution kept India undeÂfeated until then.
“Its biggest achievement of my life I can’t express my feelings. I love my sport and I always try to do best whatever I am doing,” Shami said. “The kind of support my family gave to me to pursue my dream is just amazing. I don’t have words to explain that how I started my journey from Amroha to Indian cricket. Passion is always there and I always try to play as much as I can and do well for the country.”
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami has eÂstablished himself as India’s top performeÂr in ODI World Cups, achieving 55 successful wicket outcomeÂs in just 18 games. This achievemeÂnt positions him fifth globally, following Glenn McGrath, Muthiah Muralidaran, Mitchell Starc, and Lasith Malinga.