Mohammed Shami describes the motivational force that sustained him during his long injury ordeal: 'I can't afford to lose this opportunity'

Mohammed Shami, the Indian cricketer, is set to make his long-awaited return to international cricket after playing in the final of the 2023 World Cup. His comeback will take place on November 19, 2023, during the first T20I match against England. This marks a significant milestone as Shami has been absent from the cricket field for a considerable period. To put things into perspective, the 34-year-old missed out on the entire 2023/25 World Test Championship cycle, with his last Test appearance being in the 2023 WTC Final.

He said that it was his hunger to play for the country that kept him going in the time that he was out. "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 organised by Cricket Association of Bengal.

Shami further said that all he was thinking is that he has not had enough of playing for India. "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.

'Whenever we get injured, our only thought is when can we return'

The fast bowler also said that anyone who has played for their state or country would never give up when they get injured. "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 key assignments including the T20 World Cup and Border-Gavaskar Trophy five-match Test 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 return.”

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