Indian cricket stalwart Mohammed Shami has unequivocally dismissed suggestions that his recent performance for Bengal marks a ‘comeback.’ For Shami, representing his home state is always an act of profound passion, not a return to form. The seasoned fast bowler, fresh off a successful competitive appearance, openly shared his thoughts on how the media shapes narratives and the inevitable highs and lows of a public life.
“When you label it a comeback match, I genuinely struggle to understand. Perhaps that sentiment might have applied last year. But playing for Bengal? That always comes straight from the heart,” Shami asserted after his match-winning display.
Shami led his team to a commanding 141-run victory, delivering an outstanding second innings spell where he claimed five wickets for just 38 runs. His impact was evident from the start, having also secured three crucial wickets in the first innings.
The 35-year-old pacer, who last featured for India in their Champions Trophy triumph where he was the country’s joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakravarthy, has faced a challenging period marked by recurring ankle and knee injuries. These issues necessitated surgery following the 2023 World Cup.
He has been notably absent from India’s Test squad for some time, with his last Test appearance being the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
Known for his candidness, Shami did not shy away from addressing the intense scrutiny that constantly surrounds him. He remarked with a wry smile, “I invariably find myself embroiled in controversies — you (the media) have shaped me into that kind of bowler.”
He then delivered a potent statement: "Mai bolunga to bawal ho jayega (If I speak, there will be trouble)."
Reflecting on the pervasive nature of social media and its influence on public perception, Shami added, “What more can I say? I can’t even lay blame; everyone engages in the same behavior. On social media, people feel free to say anything they desire.”
For Mohammed Shami, cricket remains his profession, a demanding pursuit that requires unwavering focus and self-belief. “This is our work — wherever an opportunity arises, we play,” he affirmed. “Whatever is destined for us will unfold. A person moves forward by trusting their luck. Success and failure are simply inherent parts of life’s journey.”
The veteran, who was India’s top wicket-taker at the 2023 World Cup with 24 wickets from seven matches before suffering a heel injury requiring Achilles tendon surgery, has meticulously followed his recovery process. Despite being overlooked for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia due to persistent knee soreness, Shami played a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy victory earlier this year in March.
The Bengal pacer, who also marked another return this season in the Duleep Trophy playing for East Zone, confirmed that he has meticulously adhered to his post-surgery rehabilitation and has been fully match-ready for an extended period.