Ace pacer Mohammed Shami is determined to recover from his ankle injury and make himself available for selection in the upcoming home Test series against England. The 33-year-old has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final due to the injury and missed the entire South African tour as a result. However, there were reports suggesting that Shami might miss the first two Tests of the England series. In an interview with India Today after being honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award, Shami expressed his commitment to returning to the field. I am trying my best to be available for the selection for England Test series, but the Test match is a longer format, so you don’t want to have any doubts, Shami said.
Shami also addressed his plans for the T20 World Cup in June, emphasizing the importance of the IPL in building momentum before the tournament. Whenever it comes to T20s, many times I don’t understand if I am in the scene or not, he said. But what I feel is that you have the IPL before the T20 World Cup, and that is the best opportunity to bring in momentum. If the management asks me to play, I’ll be available.
Before the Test series against England, India is set to play three T20Is against Afghanistan at home, with the first match taking place on January 11. Shami, like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, last played a T20I in India’s semi-final defeat to England at the 2022 World Cup.
Receiving the Arjuna Award has been a significant milestone for Shami, who considers it the biggest achievement of his life. He expressed his gratitude to his family for their unwavering support throughout his career. The 33-year-old was India’s standout performer with the ball in the 2023 World Cup, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps in just seven games. Shami played a crucial role in helping India remain undefeated until their defeat in the final against Australia.
It is the biggest achievement of my life, and I can’t express my feelings. I love my sport, and I always try to do my best, whatever I am doing, Shami stated. The kind of support my family has given me to pursue my dream is just amazing. I can’t find words to explain how I started my journey from Amroha to Indian cricket. My passion has always been there, and I always try to play as much as I can and do well for the country.
Additionally, Shami became India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in ODI World Cups, claiming 55 wickets in just 18 matches. His achievement places him fifth on the all-time charts, behind Glenn McGrath, Muthiah Muralidaran, Mitchell Starc, and Lasith Malinga.
As fans eagerly await the return of Shami to the cricket field, the pacer is determined to overcome his injury and make a strong comeback. The Test series against England holds great significance, and Shami’s presence will undoubtedly bolster India’s pace attack. Time will tell if Shami’s efforts to recover pay off and if he will be able to don the Indian jersey once again in the upcoming Test series.
