Indian speedster Mohammed Shami who made his comeback in an ICC event after the ODI World Cup 2023 made his return with an exceptional five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Rohit Sharma-led side's Champions Trophy 2025 opener clash at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
With that, the pacer becomes the fastest Indian and the second quickest to reach 200 ODI wickets during India's six-wicket victory against Bangladesh. After India's dominating win, the veteran pacer said that his primary aim is to pick wickets and "doesn't care about getting hit" for runs.
"In ICC events, I don't care about getting hit, I want to get wickets. I just go for wickets. I don't care about the economy rate at all. I spent eight hours (a day) in NCA. I had the hunger. Unless and until you have hunger, you cannot achieve your goal," Shami said at the post-match press conference.
Shami who had no idea whether he would be seen featuring for India again during his long recovery phase from injury, grabbed 5/53 to help India bowl out Bangladesh for 228 and set it up for the likes of Shubman Gill (101), Rohit Sharma (41) and KL Rahul (41) to complete a fine win.
While asked about his plan in the upcoming high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, the Shami said that he will bowl with the same mindset against the Mohammad Rizwan-led side.
"It was tough after 14 months, the comeback. It pinches, it hurts. I got the opportunity to practice in domestic (cricket) that resulted in such a performance.
"After winning, you stay in full confidence. Mindset will remain the same against Pakistan. No problem at all," the champion seamer said.
India will face Pakistan in their second league match of the Champions Trophy which will take place on February 23 at the same venue.