Dubai: India’s veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has shed light on the arduous journey he endured to return to international cricket after a severe ankle injury threatened to derail his career. As he gears up for India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday, Shami reflected on his battle with self-doubt and the grueling rehabilitation process that followed his injury.
The 34-year-old fast bowler suffered a major setback during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, when an ankle injury forced him into an extended break from cricket. The road to recovery was long and challenging, with Shami admitting that there were moments when he feared he might never wear the Indian jersey again.
“From being in great form during the World Cup to suddenly finding myself on the operating table—it was really tough,” Shami said in an interview with the ICC. “My first question to the doctor was, ‘How many days until I can be back on the field?’ He told me my priority should be to walk first, then jog, and only later think about competitive cricket. That was hard to hear.”
Shami, who has been a key component of India’s bowling attack for over a decade, detailed the emotional and physical turmoil he went through in the early stages of recovery. The fear of not being able to walk without a limp haunted him, and he struggled with self-doubt during the initial months of rehabilitation.
“For the first two months, I often wondered whether I would ever play again. An injury like this, followed by a 14-month break, can really pull you down,” Shami admitted. “After 60 days, when I was finally asked to put my foot on the ground, I was terrified. It felt like I was starting over, like a toddler learning to walk.”
Despite these challenges, the pacer credited his family for their unwavering support and praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for standing by him throughout the recovery process. It was his desire to once again don the Indian jersey that kept him motivated through the pain and uncertainty.
“Courage and passion for playing for my country were my biggest motivators. The desire to wear the India badge on my chest kept me going,” he said. “You endure the pain and take it one step at a time without complaints. The passion for representing my country brought me this far.”
Shami made a successful return to the national team last month, featuring in four white-ball matches against England. His performances in those fixtures proved that he still has plenty to offer on the international stage. Now, as he prepares to lead India’s pace attack in the Champions Trophy, he remains determined to prolong his career and contribute to the team’s success for as long as his body allows.
“My motivation has always been to serve my country for as long as possible,” Shami said. “Because once you step away, you’re just like anyone else. Today, by the grace of God, I am playing for India again and feeling much better.”
As India sets its sights on Champions Trophy glory, Shami’s return adds depth and experience to the squad. His resilience and unwavering dedication serve as an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and perseverance, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome.
