Top speedster Mohammed Shami shared he’s fighting hard to bounce back from an ankle injury. He aims to be fit for selection in the approaching home Test series versus England. This five-test event will kick off in Hyderabad on January 25.
The veteran, at 33 years old, has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final due to the same ankle injury. Consequently, Shami sat out throughout the South African tour, and including the tied 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 week, three T20Is await India. They’re going up against Afghanistan. The first match is on Thursday, January 11.
Remember Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? Like them, Shami also took the field. He was there when 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 described receiving the Arjuna Award as his ‘greatest honor’. He praised his family for their continuous encouragement.
At 33, Shami shone in Team India’s 2023 World Cup performance. He took a notable 24 wickets in just seven games. Despite a final loss to Australia, his immense contribution kept India undefeated 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 established himself as India’s top performer in ODI World Cups, achieving 55 successful wicket outcomes in just 18 games. This achievement positions him fifth globally, following Glenn McGrath, Muthiah Muralidaran, Mitchell Starc, and Lasith Malinga.
