The first T20I between India and England is on Wednesday (January 22) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and Mohammed Shami will wear the national team jersey again after a gap of 15 months. Shami last played for the Men in Blue in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final against Australia.
The 34-year-old suffered an Achilles injury during his heroic performance in the mega event, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. However, he was forced out of action and underwent surgery in February last year and missed out on being part of India’s T20 World Cup triumph.
Shami was expected to return during India’s Test season, but complications with his knee delayed his return. Over the last few months, he has played in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy to prove his fitness. He has been named in India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
alking about his comeback, Shami revealed it was the hunger to play for the country that has kept him going. The veteran pacer admitted he is aware that a time will soon come when he will not be able to play for the national team and wants to play as much as possible before retiring.
“Country ke liye jo khelne ki bhoonkh hai woh kabhi khatam nahin honi chahiye. Appko agar usse pyar hai toh aap hamesha fightback karte rahenge, injured chahe aap 10 baar ho jaye (The first thing I feel is that the hunger to play for the country should never end. If you have that hunger, you will always fight back, no matter how many times you get injured),” Shami said at an event on the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
“Mere dimaag mein hamesha yehi rehta hai mein kitna bhi match khel loon woh mere liye kam hai, kyunke ek baar agar meine cricket chhod toh shayad woh dobara na hoga (No matter how many matches I play, it always feels like less. Because once I leave cricket, I may never get this chance again),” Shami added.
Shami is among India’s greatest fast-bowlers in history with 229 Test and 195 ODI wickets to his name. The England series will mark his first appearance for the India in the shortest format of the game.
