NEW DELHI: “Kaash mai waha hota… kuch kar pata” (I wish I were there… I could have done something) — a recovering Mohammed Shami uttered these words repeatedly to his coach as he watched India struggle during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. Frustrated and in pain, Shami longed to be on the field, rattling stumps and sending them cartwheeling.
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Watching India lose the home series against New Zealand 0-3, then the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3 in Australia, and eventually missing out on a spot in the World Test Championship Final, was a bitter pill for him to swallow. At times, tears rolled down his cheeks and the star pacer could only live with the disappointment of being unable to contribute.
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But now, Shami is back with a bang, determined and raring to go.
As India gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy, where all their matches will be played in Dubai, Shami is set to return to action and warm up with the five-match T20I series against England, starting Wednesday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
All eyes will be on Shami’s much-anticipated comeback—his performance, rhythm, run-up, body language, and follow-through will be under the spotlight as he grabs the ball in front of an enthusiastic home crowd against the Three Lions.
“He is 100 percent fit and ready for his international comeback. Shami has waited patiently for this moment, and you’ll see the same Shami on the field. During this tough phase, he worked incredibly hard, both mentally and physically. He would run barefoot in the mud and do push-ups there, which played a key role in his recovery.
“Walking barefoot on the mud not only aided his physical recovery but also kept him grounded and focused. He was determined to make a comeback and was hungry to return to the Indian team. He wanted to play in the New Zealand series and then in Australia, but as his coach, I knew how much work was still needed. I told him to stay calm and concentrate on his recovery,” Shami’s coach Badruddin told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
“I saw that hunger in him when India was struggling in Australia. He would often say, ‘Kaash mai waha hota, mai kuch kar pata India ke liye’ (I wish I were there; I could have done something for India). It was frustrating and heartbreaking for him to watch from the sidelines. Many times, I saw him in tears as he watched the Indian bowlers struggle to take wickets. I kept reminding him that if he focused on his recovery, he’d return stronger and fit to contribute to the team again.
“Yes, India has had a couple of tough series recently, losing to New Zealand and then in Australia. It’s been a challenging time for the team, but I am confident they’ll get back on track. Shami is in a positive frame of mind, and this time, you’ll see a new version of him—stronger and more precise. He will hit the stumps harder, just like he used to,” the coach added.
Shami has been missing from India’s pace attack since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, where he suffered an ankle injury that required surgery. The injury sidelined the premier pacer for nearly a year.
The 34-year-old seasoned campaigner made his return to competitive cricket for Bengal, showing glimpses of his vintage self. In his comeback match against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, Shami delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 7/156, propelling Bengal to a convincing victory.
Shami’s impressive form carried over into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he picked up 11 wickets in nine matches at an average of 25.36, while in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he claimed five wickets in just three games.
India are set to play all their matches in the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium, kicking off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. The highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan is scheduled for February 23, while India will wrap up their league stage with a match against New Zealand on March 2.
According to Badruddin, Dubai is one of Shami’s favorite grounds, and the pacer is eager to make an impact on this stage.
“Dubai offers pace during the day and a bit of swing in the evening and night, thanks to the dew. Shami excels in both departments. He loves playing in Dubai, and I’m confident he’ll be a nightmare for the opposition,” he said.
“The match against Pakistan is always crucial, but every game in the tournament is equally important. I just hope Bumrah and Shami share the new ball from both ends and bring India the success they’re looking for,” the coach concluded.
