TV
Bowling sensation Mohammed Shami had a memorable World Cup after becoming the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Being initially forced to stay on the bench,
Shami finally got his opportunity following Hardik Pandya’s injury, and he never looked back. From picking wickets in spades to making India win matches comprehensibly,
Shami always created that magic with his experience and skills.
Being in the Indian team for many years, Shami also faced many struggles during his initial days in cricket. From grappling with selection challenges in Uttar Pradesh to losing his father in 2017, he surmounted all roadblocks and went on to become one of the best fast bowlers that India has produced.
He was born in Uttar Pradesh in Sahaspur but was forced to shift to West Bengal after his rejection in the UP Ranji Trials.
In an interview, he vocally spoke on how he faced problems and troubles in cementing his place in the Uttar Pradesh Ranji team.
“I went to the Trials for the UP Ranji Trophy team for 2 years, but whenever the final round came, they used to kick me out,” Shami said.
"When I was not selected after the Trials in the first year, I thought it doesn’t matter. I will come again next time. But next year the same thing happened again,” Shami recalled.
He also recalled how his brother's inspiring words led him to leave Uttar Pradesh and play elsewhere.
“My brother used to watch all this. He was very sharp in this matter. When I went for the Trials again the next year, the same thing happened. There were around 1600 boys in the Trials which was to go on 3 days. My brother said he was not able to understand anything. My brother spoke to the selection head and he got a very hostile reply."
“The selector told my brother that 'you have to get rid of me first if you have to get your boy selected. Till the time, he is the selector, his boy will never get selected,” said the Indian fast bowler.
For Shami, this was a serious challenge. However, his good outings for Kolkata gave a new lease of life to his cricketing career which was hanging in balance.
Then the rest, they say, is history.
Mohammed Shami won the hearts of every Indian as he became the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in the recently-concluded World Cup 2023.
