A sportsman can overcome multiple injury-related setbacks as long as he has an insatiable thirst to play for the country, said Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, who is set to make his comeback to the national level after 14 months.
Shami last played for India in the ODI World Cup final in November 2023. He had suffered an ankle injury in his left leg which required surgery.
The veteran fast bowler is expected to make his return to India with the first T20 against England at their home ground here on Wednesday.
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He was also selected in the ODI Champions Trophy squad. ” The thirst to play for the country should never be quenched. (The first thing I feel is that the thirst to play for the country should never stop,” Shami said at a conference organized by the Cricket Association of Bengal.
“If you have that hunger, you will always fight back, no matter how many times you get hurt.
“No matter how many matches I play, I always feel like less. Because once I leave cricket, I may never get this chance again,” he added.
Mohammed Shami, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly, former women cricketers Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj during felicitation of Bengal U-15 players . | Photo credit: Swapan Mahapatra/PTI
Mohammed Shami, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly, former women cricketers Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj during felicitation of Bengal U-15 players . | Photo credit: Swapan Mahapatra/PTI
He was speaking at the CAB felicitation ceremony in honor of the victorious under-15 women cricketers at Eden Gardens.
“It has never happened that players who represent their state or their country think about leaving the game after an injury. Whenever we are hurt, the only thought that comes to our mind is: when can we come back? Shami added.
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Shami, who missed key assignments including the T20 World Cup and the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, stressed that overcoming injuries is part of an athlete’s journey.
“If you are hardworking and committed, no injury can keep you away for too long. You will always find a way to come back. Wearing the blue jersey remains the ultimate honor, and he believes every player deserves a chance to represent the country if they play with loyalty and commitment.
Speaking about his deep connection with Eden Gardens, he said: “The ground is always special. I started my career here. I also said this earlier that even though I was born and brought up in Uttar Pradesh, I was created by Bengal. This is my house, my life.
Sharing the stage with cricket legend Sourav Ganguly, former Indian women’s captains Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunities that came his way due to his dedication.
“I only did one thing: fulfilled my responsibilities with loyalty. And I hope you all have the same loyalty and play for India one day. Because once you get the chance, there’s no better feeling than representing your country.
The CAB also congratulated the Bengal senior women’s team for second place in the T20 and One-Day Trophy and the Bengal Under-19 men’s team for reaching the Vinoo Mankad final.
