Overcoming Doubts: Shami's Journey Back to the Indian Cricket Team

In Dubai, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has opened up about his fears of his international career coming to an end following his ankle injury. Despite these doubts, Shami's determination to represent his country again never wavered, fueling his recovery and eventual comeback to the national team.

Shami suffered an ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in November, which required surgery.

His recovery was further complicated by swelling in his left knee, as he was sidelined from international cricket for 14 months.

"From being in great form during the World Cup to suddenly finding myself on the operating table, from that form to being injured was really tough," Shami told the ICC.

"For the first two months I often doubted whether I would be able to play again as an injury like this followed by a 14-month break can pull you down," he added.

The 34-year-old, however, made a successful international comeback, playing in two T20Is and as many ODI matches against England earlier this month.

With Jasprit Bumrah injured, Shami will lead the Indian pace attack in the Champions Trophy.

"My first question to the doctor was 'how many days until I can be back on the field'. He said my priority is to get you to walk, then jog and then run and thinking about playing competitive cricket is still a distant goal."

The transition from being an active athlete to relying on crutches was mentally challenging for Shami.

"I always wondered when I would be able to put my feet on the ground again, someone who is used to running on the field constantly was now in crutches."

The first two months were especially difficult, as self-doubt crept in.

"A lot of thoughts used to run through my mind. Will I be able to do it again? Will I be able to walk without a limp?

Shami said he was gripped by a sense of fear when he was asked to put his feet on the ground after three months and it felt like he was learning to walk again.

"After 60 days when they asked me to put my feet on the ground, you won't believe me, but I have ever been more scared to put my foot on the ground," Shami said.

"It felt like I was starting over, like a toddler learning how to walk and I was worried about any complications.

Shami's unwavering desire to don the India jersey once again kept him motivated during the toughest phase of his recovery.

"Courage and passion to play for the country are the biggest motivators, and the desire to wear the India badge on my chest kept me going.

"You endure the pain and take it one step at a time without complaints or bitterness. The passion for representing my country has brought me this far. It was tough and there was pain, but with resilience and patience I made it through.

"My motivation has always been to serve my country for as long as possible because once you step away, you're just like anyone else," Shami said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

ICC Champions Trophy , ICC Champions Trophy Schedule , and Champions Trophy 2025 Points Table – stay ahead with real-time match updates, team standings, and insights. Check live cricket score , player stats, and ICC rankings of top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli . Get expert analysis, match previews, and in-depth coverage of ICC CT 2025, IPL 2025 Schedule and IPL 2025, all on HT Crickit, powered by Hindustan Times – your trusted source for cricket news along with India vs Bangladesh live Score. .freemium-card h4{color:#fff; padding-bottom:20px;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{padding-bottom:16px; color:#fff;} .freemium-card .freemium-content{width: auto; max-width: inherit;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{max-width:inherit; font-size:18px; padding-top:0; line-height:24px} .freemium-card .btnSubc{margin} .freemium-card .btnSubc a{background:#000; color:#fff; min-width:auto; padding:5px 15px; border-radius:6px; font-size:16px; line-height:22px; font-weight:700;} .freemium-card{height:285px} @media (max-width: 767px) { .freemium-card h4{font-size:28px} .freemium-card .freemium-content{max-width:360px; padding: 20px;} .freemium-card{height:303px; background-position: 100% 0; } }