In October 2021, India suffered a humiliating loss to Pakistan in a T20 World Cup match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS). Amid the disappointment, Mohammed Shami found himself targeted by online abuse, blamed unfairly for the defeat. Despite immense pressure, Shami remained silent as his teammates, including then-captain Virat Kohli, stood by him. As the months passed, Shami’s resilience became his strongest statement.
On February 20, 2025, Shami was back in action at the same stadium, delivering a stellar performance in the Champions Trophy. His words were clear: "The past is the past. People will definitely keep bringing up the bad performances, but as a cricketer, you must live in the present and plan for the future."
The past seemed like a distant memory as Shami showcased his skill with a remarkable 5-for-53, leading India to a convincing victory over Bangladesh. The victory wasn’t just about numbers, though. Shami’s performance also helped him achieve a personal milestone, surpassing Zaheer Khan's tally of 59 wickets to become India's leading wicket-taker in ICC ODI tournaments with 60 wickets. On top of that, he reached an impressive total of 202 wickets in ODIs.
Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, expressed his joy for Shami: "We're very happy for Shami. We know the quality he brings and every time we throw the ball at him, he has something special." Prior to the match, Sharma had emphasized that just having Shami back in the Indian colors was a victory in itself. "We wanted him back more than anything else," he said.
Shami had endured a 14-month injury hiatus following a heel operation on his Achilles tendon, raising doubts about his return to peak form. But his performance on Thursday showed otherwise, silencing the critics and giving hope to India’s fans ahead of the Champions Trophy campaign. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah only made Shami’s role even more critical for the team.
His bowling was sharp, controlled, and devastating. Whether it was the immaculate seam presentation or his deceptive slow balls, Shami proved that he could still turn up big in global events. This performance marked his fifth five-wicket haul in ICC competitions, a testimony to his mastery on the international stage.
Shami’s journey back wasn’t easy. He dedicated himself to extensive training, practicing repetitive drills for hours at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Playing multiple domestic matches allowed Shami to find his rhythm and gain the confidence necessary to make a successful international return.
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