Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 3: Ever since Mohammed Shami returned to the Indian One-Day International squad, he has been in top form despite being slowed up by some personal issues and a baleful knee injury. The 28-year-old medium pacer sprinted back into the team and is now most likely to play the 2019 World Cup in England. Currently playing in the coloured clothing, his 2/44 spell contributed to India’s victory in the first ODI against Australia.
Shami’s brilliant spell in the ODI series vs New Zealand earlier this year won him the Man of the Series title. He picked up nine wickets at an average of 15.33 in four matches, making him the fastest Indian to grab 100 ODI wickets. In 2018, he played 11 matches and wrecked 44 wickets for India. Shami was among the leading wicket-taking pacers in 2018 in the Test format. He recorded his highest Test bowling figures in Perth as he cleaned out the Australian batting order after the lunch break. His took 6 for 56 beating his previous record of 5 for 28 in Johannesburg against South Africa in 2018.
Reflecting on his progress an Indian pacer, Shami agreed to have been through very hard times but he has never run away from challenges and believes in facing them with courage and confidence. It took nearly a year and a half for him to come back and play for the Indian side. The time was physically and mentally exhausting but he countered his knee injury with strength and patience. The recovery phase was particularly irritating and depressing as it was difficult for him to just sit and watch the game from the stands. Though the 18 months after the last World Cup were extremely excruciating, he is thankful that he could fight back and made this record.
The right-arm medium pace bowler is in his top form and is playing matches regularly. He is stopping at nothing and is gearing up for his 2019 World Cup stint. He credits his newfound fitness level and positive atmosphere in the dressing room for his form. To date, Shami has recorded four 5-wicket hauls, two of which came in 2018 Perth Test. His maiden five-wicket haul was against the West-Indies in 2013. He attributes his success to his accuracy and skills with which he can move the ball.