Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is poised for a comeback after a prolonged injury layoff. Shami last donned the Indian jersey in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker despite battling an ankle injury.
Since then, Shami has been sidelined for the entire 2023 season, missing major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup, which India won in his absence. However, the pacer has recently resumed training and is determined to regain full fitness.
In a recent interview, Shami’s close friend and fellow pacer Umesh Kumar revealed the secret behind Shami’s exceptional bowling speed: his love for mutton. “Shami can tolerate everything, but he cannot survive without mutton,” Kumar said. “If he doesn’t eat 1kg mutton daily, his bowling speed will reduce by up to 15 kmph.”
Meanwhile, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed optimism that Shami will recover in time for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19. “Shami has started to bowl, which is a good sign,” Agarkar said. “September 19 is the first Test, and that was always the goal.”
Agarkar also emphasized the importance of monitoring first-class cricket to identify potential additions to the Test team. “We will need some depth,” he said. “Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, but there will be some conversation around it.”
Shami’s return to the Indian team will be a significant boost for the side, especially with the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and the ICC World Test Championship final on the horizon. The pacer’s experience and wicket-taking ability will be crucial for India’s success in these high-stakes matches.
