Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami recently made a triumphant return to competitive cricket, delivering an impressive five-wicket haul. However, he quickly dismissed any talk of a “comeback,” asserting that playing for Bengal is purely a matter of passion for him, not a return to form. This powerful performance and his subsequent candid remarks underscore the challenges he has faced, including a series of injuries since the 2023 World Cup, and the constant media and social media attention on his career.
Following his stellar performance, Shami addressed the media directly. “When you call it a comeback match, I honestly don’t understand. Maybe you could have said that last year. Playing for Bengal always comes straight from the heart,” he stated, highlighting his deep connection to the regional team.
Shami was instrumental in his team’s victory, clinching figures of 5 for 38 in the second innings, which propelled them to a commanding 141-run win. He had also made a significant impact in the first innings, securing three crucial wickets.
The 35-year-old speedster’s career has been punctuated by injuries. After a sensational run as India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2023 World Cup, he underwent surgery for recurring ankle and knee issues, specifically an Achilles tendon injury. He hasn’t featured in the Indian Test side since the World Test Championship final in June 2023, and was notably overlooked for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to knee soreness, despite having played a stellar role in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier that year.
Shami, known for his straightforward opinions, did not shy away from confronting the constant public and media scrutiny. “I always end up being in controversies — you (the media) have made me that kind of bowler,” he remarked with a subtle smile, adding the impactful line, “Mai bolunga to bawal ho jayega” (If I speak, there will be chaos).
He further reflected on the nature of public perception in the digital age: “Now what can I say? I can’t even blame you; everyone does the same thing. On social media, people say anything they want.”
For Shami, cricket is fundamentally a profession demanding unwavering focus and belief. “This is our job — wherever we get an opportunity, we play,” he affirmed. “Whatever is written in our destiny will happen. A person moves forward believing in his luck. Success and failure are part of life.”
His recent return to the Duleep Trophy for East Zone marked another step in his journey. Shami confirmed he has diligently followed his post-surgery rehab protocol and has been fully match-ready for some time, eagerly awaiting his opportunities on the field.