Following a 15-month break, Mohammed Shami is slated to start in the first T20I against England on January 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Last seen for India in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final against Australia, where he became the leading wicket-taker before tearing his Achilles, the 34-year-old played there. Surgery on this damage kept him out for many months and made him miss the T20 World Cup victory of India. Though he was meant to come back during India’s Test season, knee issues pushed off his return. Still, he showed his ability by playing in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy; he is now member of India’s 2025 Champions Trophy team.
Reflecting on his return, Shami said his fervor for representing the nation has driven his tenacity. He admitted his time with the national squad is restricted and passionately wanted to maximize his professional prospects before retirement.
“One should never stop playing for the country.” At a gathering organized by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), Shami said, “If you love her, you will always fight back; even if you are injured ten times.”
He added, “No matter how much I play cricket, it is less for me since once I have quit, perhaps it will not happen again.”— my habit always remains in just the mind.
One of India’s all-time great fast bowlers, Shami has 229 Test and 195 ODI wickets. His next game will be his first in India’s T20I team.