After a period of almost a year following the disappointing 2023 World Cup final loss, Shami has made his return to the field, beginning with a solid performance for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. His return not only boosts Bengal’s lineup but also holds great promise for India’s upcoming international fixtures, especially the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Mohammed Shami’s Awaited Comeback
Cricket fans across India have eagerly awaited the return of Mohammed Shami to competitive cricket. Following the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup final and nearly a year away due to a challenging recovery process, Shami has made his way back into the game. His recent performance for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, where he took four wickets against Madhya Pradesh, showcased his regained rhythm and signaled his readiness for international cricket once again.
Excellent comeback 💥@MdShami11 bowled an impressive spell of 4/54 on his comeback, playing for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the #RanjiTrophy match in Indore 👌👌
Watch 📽️ highlights of his spell in the first innings 🔽@IDFCFIRSTBank
Scorecard: https://t.co/54IeDz9fWu pic.twitter.com/sxKktrQJbL
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) November 14, 2024
Role of Mohammed Badruddin in Shami’s Comeback
Shami’s journey back wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of his mentor, Mohammed Badruddin. Since Shami’s early days, Badruddin has been an instrumental figure in his life.
Badruddin revealed that Shami is targeting the third Test in Brisbane for his return, giving him a month to work back to peak fitness. His addition to India’s lineup in Australia could serve as a critical asset, strengthening India’s pace attack, which already includes stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Speaking to Indian Express, Badruddin said “He will be joining the Indian team after the Adelaide (second) Test. Now that he is back, proved his fitness, picked up wickets, he will be crucial for the team in the second half of the tour.”
Badruddin opened up about Shami’s mental struggles during his lengthy rehab. Shami grappled with self-doubt and questioned his future in cricket, a common response for athletes sidelined for long periods.
“He returned quicker after the knee surgery,” said Badruddin. “This time, the rehab took more time because of the age. He did get edgy this time. Got frustrated so many times.”
As per Badruddin, Shami’s plan includes intensive training sessions to regain his peak form by mid-December, just in time for the third Test. This timeline gives Shami a month to hone his fitness and reacquaint himself with the international pace.
“He had targeted the New Zealand series,” explained Badruddin. “He developed self-doubt that I have never seen before. He was questioning his future. That’s a normal thing when you spend so much time on the sidelines.”
Shami’s Impact on the Indian Bowling Attack
Shami’s comeback isn’t the result of a quick fix but of a disciplined and rigorous regimen focused on strength and stamina. His commitment to fitness, particularly given his “old school” approach, reflects his maturity as a player.
Shami’s performance against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy was a statement of intent. His controlled spell saw him claim four wickets, a reminder of the threat he poses to opposing batsmen.
Following his stint in the Ranji Trophy, Shami may join Bengal for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, adding a T20 component to his fitness buildup. This limited-overs format could offer him a controlled environment to test his recovery further.
As India embarks on its tour of Australia, the team composition will be heavily influenced by Shami’s availability. If he’s deemed fit, his partnership with Bumrah and Siraj will be instrumental in India’s quest for a series victory.
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