Age
34
Player Skill
Bowler
Batting Style
Right Handed
Bowling Style
Right-arm fast
Test Ranking: N/A
Mohammed Shami
For any fast bowler, the most rewarding sight is watching the stumps cartwheel out of the ground. For Mohammed Shami, this delightful scene has been a familiar occurrence since the inception of his illustrious career with the Indian cricket team. Let’s delve into the compelling journey of this dynamic pacer who has made significant strides in international cricket.
Early Career and Domestic Success
Mohammed Shami’s journey began with his first-class debut against Assam in November 2010, where he showcased his talent by taking three wickets. In 2011, the Kolkata franchise roped him in for the fourth season of the Indian T20 League. By 2014, Shami found himself with Delhi, where he was retained until 2016 due to his exceptional performances.
Rise to Prominence in International Cricket
Shami’s Breakthrough in Test Matches
Shami’s ability to swing both the new and old ball briskly earned him admiration during Australia’s 2013 ODI tour of India. Subsequently, Shami was included in the Test squad against the West Indies, debuting at Eden Gardens. His incredible reverse swing bowling shook the West Indians, with Shami posting the best figures (9/118) by an Indian pacer on Test debut.
Stellar Performances in ODIs
Soon after, Shami excelled in ODIs, notably during the tour of New Zealand, where he claimed 11 wickets. During the 2014 Asia Cup, Shami became the second-fastest Indian to reach 50 ODI wickets, cementing his status as a vital cog in India’s bowling lineup.
Overcoming Challenges and Continued Success
Setbacks and Resurgence
Shami played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the 2015 World Cup semi-finals, emerging as the team’s most successful bowler. However, a knee injury soon after posed a major setback, forcing him to miss several key tournaments. Upon regaining full fitness, Shami returned to the Test arena during the West Indies tour, where he took 11 wickets to confirm his competence once again.
Consistent Contributions in Recent Years
Shami continued to be instrumental in India’s overseas Test tours in 2017/18 and excelled in limited-overs cricket as well. His tour of New Zealand in early 2019 further enhanced his reputation as India’s leading wicket-taker, as he swiftly achieved 100 ODI wickets, becoming the fastest Indian to do so in terms of matches.
World Cup 2019 Highlights
It was no surprise when Shami was included in India’s 2019 World Cup squad. After patiently waiting for his turn, Shami replaced the injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar and made an immediate impact by claiming a hat-trick against Afghanistan, becoming only the second Indian to achieve this remarkable feat.
FAQs About Mohammed Shami
When did Mohammed Shami make his international debut?
Mohammed Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in 2013.
What are some of Shami’s career highlights in ODIs?
Shami became the second-fastest Indian to reach 50 ODI wickets during the 2014 Asia Cup and took a hat-trick in the 2019 World Cup against Afghanistan.
How did Shami perform in the 2015 Cricket World Cup?
Shami was India’s most successful bowler in the 2015 World Cup, playing a crucial role in guiding the team to the semi-finals.
What adversity did Mohammed Shami face in his career?
Shami faced a major setback due to a knee injury in 2015, but he made a strong comeback post-recovery.
What makes Mohammed Shami a unique fast bowler?
Shami is known for his ability to swing both the new and old ball effortlessly at a brisk pace, which makes him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup.
