Mohammed Shami doubted his return to cricket after ankle injury
What's the story
Mohammed Shami, the veteran Indian fast bowler, has revealed his fears of never playing for India again.
His fears began after a severe ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia.
The injury required surgery and he faced a difficult 14-month-long recovery due to complications of swelling in his left knee.
Here's what the bowler had to say about his fear of 'not playing' again and his mental condition throughout his recovery process.
Career transition
Shami's journey from World Cup form to operating table
"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.
He further admitted, "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."
This was because of the severity of his injury and the long hiatus from cricket.
Comeback
Shami's triumphant return to international cricket
Despite his doubts and fears, Shami made a successful comeback to international cricket earlier this month. He played two T20 Internationals and two ODIs against England.
Now, he is set to lead the Men In Blue's pace attack in the Champions Trophy after an injury to Jasprit Bumrah.
Notably, Shami managed a three-fer in the fifth T20I and managed one wicket each in the first and second ODI.
Psychological battle
Shami's mental struggle and fear during recovery
Shami shared his mental struggle during his recovery stating, "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."
"After 60 days when they asked me to put my feet on the ground, I have never been more scared to put my foot on the ground. It felt like a toddler learning how to walk," Shami added.
Motivation
Shami's unyielding desire to represent India again
Throughout his recovery, Shami was driven by an unwavering desire to represent India again.
He said, "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."
"The passion for representing my country has brought me this far. My motivation has always been to serve my country as long as possible," he further added.
Stats
Shami is three shy of 200 ODI scalps
Shami owns 197 ODI wickets across 103 ODIs. He averages 23.96 and has an economy rate of 5.57.
Additionally, in 102 innings, he boasts 10 four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls, with the best bowling innings of 7/57 he bagged against New Zealand.
Notably, the pacer also finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 scalps in seven innings.
Meanwhile, he also crossed 450 international wickets in the fifth T20I against England.