Shami says the idea of ​​winning wickets is alive

Mohamed Shami, who was at the forefront of India’s pace on Thursday, said he entered the Champions Trophy with an eye to seizing regular wickets after returning to international cricket from a career-threatening injury.

Shami claimed an impressive 5-53 number to set India’s six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the 50-over tournament in Dubai.

The 34-year-old stepped up because of the absence of fast bowler Jasplit Bumra.

Shami himself returned to competitive cricket late last year after a series of injuries, including injuries to the ankles, heels and knees, since his final match in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

Shami was an Indian star bowler in the 50-over World Cup at home with 24 wickets in seven matches, but the team lost the final to Australia at Ahmedabad.

“It was hard to get out of the form I had in the World Cup after getting injured,” Shami told reporters.

“These 14 months were extremely difficult because I had to repeat everything.

In his performance at the ICC tournament, Shami said, “I should always get at least some wickets, especially at ICC events, even if I leak a lot of runs.”

Shami has always been important to India in the top tournament, and has been engaging former Quick Zaheer Khan in the ICC ODI tournament as the leading bowler with 60 wickets. Zaheer took 59.

Shami was overlooked in his recent 3-1 Test defeat in Australia, as Bumura often felt that there was no solid support on the other side.

Shami said it was equally difficult for him to see from the bystanders.

“You’re always missing out on your bowling unit and the unit you’re with,” Shami said. Aside from watching the game, it’s a ball-by-ball. ”