Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is set to make a comeback to the national team after a 14-month hiatus due to an ankle injury on his left leg that required surgery. His last appearance for India was in the ODI World Cup final in November 2023.
Shami is expected to return to the Indian team with the first T20I against England at his home ground Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
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He has also been selected for the ODI Champions Trophy squad.
“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,” Shami said at an event organised by Cricket Association of Bengal.
“If you have that hunger, you will always fight back, no matter how many times you get injured.
“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),” he added.
Shami emphasised that a sportsperson can overcome multiple injury setbacks as long as they have an insatiable hunger to play for their country.
He was speaking at the Cricket Association of Bengal’s felicitation ceremony for the victorious Under-15 women’s cricketers at Eden Gardens.
“It has never happened that players who represent their state or country think about leaving the game after an injury. Whenever we get injured, the only thought in our mind is — when can we return?” Shami added.
Shami, who missed significant events such as the T20 World Cup and the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series, emphasised that overcoming injuries is an integral 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 return.”
Donning the Blue jersey is the highest honour, and he believes every player who plays with loyalty and commitment deserves the opportunity to represent the country.
Talking about his deep connection with Eden Gardens, he said, “The home ground is always special. I started my career here. I’ve said earlier as well — though I was born and brought up in Uttar Pradesh, I was made by Bengal. This is my home, my life.”
Sharing the stage with cricketing legend Sourav Ganguly and former India women’s captains Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities earned through sheer dedication.
“I have only done one thing — fulfilled my responsibilities with loyalty. And I hope you all carry the same loyalty and one day play for India. Because once you get that chance, you won’t experience a better feeling than representing your country.”
The CAB also felicitated the senior Bengal women’s team for finishing as runners-up in the T20 and One-Day Trophy, along with the Under-19 Bengal men’s team for reaching the Vinoo Mankad Trophy final.