Indian bowler Mohammad Shami during a practice session ahead of the first T20 cricket match against England, at Eden Garden in Kolkata. (PTI Photos)
Mohammed Shami says “hunger to play for India again” has kept him going during his long injury-layoff.
The Indian speedster last played for India in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, after which he was sidelined due to an ankle injury that required surgery.
“Desh ke liye khelne ki jo bhookh hai wo kabhi khatam nahi honi (The hunger to play for your country should never stop),” Shami said at Cricket Association of Bengal’s felicitation ceremony for U-15 women’s cricketers at Eden Gardens.
“Aapko agar use pyar hai toh aap hamesha fightback karte rahenge, chaahe 10 baar kyu na injured ho jao (If you love your country, you will keep fighting back, doesn’t matter how many times you get injured).
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami
“Mere dimaag mein hamesha yehi rhta hai mein kitna bhi match khel loon who mere liye kam hai, kyunki ek baar agar maine cricket chod di toh shayad wo diabara na hoga (No matter how many matches I play for India, it always feels like less. Because once I will leave cricket, I many never get the chance to play for my country again),” he added.
The 34-year-old returned to cricket for the Ranji Trophy and also played in the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal. Shami is set to play in the first T20I against England on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens.
Talking about his injury, Shami said: “It has never happened that players who represent their state or country think about leaving the game after an injury. Whenever we get injured, the only thought in our mind is — when can we return.”
“If you are hardworking and committed, ni injury can keep you away for too long. You will always find a way to return.”
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