Mohammed Shami: India’s World Cup Superstar and Pace Spearhead
Mohammed Shami, the Indian pace spearhead, celebrated his 34th birthday on Tuesday. Known for his match-winning performances across formats, Shami has established himself as a crucial cog in the Indian team, particularly in ODI World Cups.
Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Shami has amassed an impressive tally of 448 international wickets in 188 matches. His raw pace, precise yorkers, and ability to deliver under pressure have earned him a reputation as one of the most formidable bowlers in modern cricket.
Shami’s international debut in 2013 was a memorable one, as he claimed nine wickets in a single match at Eden Gardens. Since then, he has consistently showcased his skills, forming a potent pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah that has challenged batsmen worldwide.
In Test cricket, Shami has taken 229 wickets, including a five-wicket haul on his debut. He is only the third Indian pacer to achieve this feat. In ODIs, he has claimed 195 wickets, making him India’s leading wicket-taker in the format.
Shami’s contributions to India’s World Cup campaigns have been remarkable. Despite not always being the first-choice bowler, he has taken 55 wickets in 18 matches, making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history.
In the 2019 World Cup, Shami became only the second Indian bowler to claim a hat-trick. In the 2023 World Cup, he set a new record by reaching 50 wickets in just 17 innings. His 7/57 spell against New Zealand in the semifinals remains the best by an Indian bowler in both World Cup history and ODIs.
Shami also holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in World Cups, with four to his name. He finished the 2023 World Cup as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in seven matches.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shami has played for several teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans. He has taken 127 wickets in 110 matches, showcasing his prowess in the T20 format.
In the 2023 IPL season, Shami won the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets—28 in 17 matches. He was also instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ IPL title win in 2022.
As Shami turns 34, his achievements and records continue to inspire both fans and aspiring cricketers. He remains one of India’s greatest pace bowlers, whose contributions to the team have been invaluable.