India’s premier fast bowler Mohammed Shami was watching the matches on the sidelines as India won the first four games of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. It was only after Hardik Pandya’s injury, that Shami walked into the side and made everyone wonder why he was out so long. He ended up becoming the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 24 wickets to his name. Shami revealed that he got to know about the records he created on Instagram. The 33-year-old seam-bowling menace also said how he felt when he was not in the playing XI.
“When you sit out for four matches, you need to be mentally strong. Sometimes you are under pressure but when you see the team performing well and going in a good direction, it gives you satisfaction,” Shami was quoted as saying by PUMA India.
Amidst controversies around the pitches during World Cup 2023, Shami said that he does not examine the pitch like other players before the game.
“Generally, bowlers check the pitch after arriving at the ground. I never go close to the wicket because you will know how it behaves only when you bowl on it. Then why take the pressure? It’s best to keep it simple, keep yourself relaxed and only then you will perform better,” he said.
Shami played his first game against New Zealand in Dharamsala and took a fifer to restrict the score under 300. He continued to torment the batters with his perfect seam position that got everyone around the world talking. In the semifinal, he took a record-breaking seven wickets for 57 runs against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand. He was given the opportunity to open the bowling in the final against Australia where he struck with his first legitimate delivery to dismiss Adam Zampa and surpass Adam Zampa on the list of leading wicket-takers.
During the tournament, he became the highest wicket-taker for India in World Cups. He also broke Mitchell Starc’s record for fastest to 50 wickets in ODI World Cup history.
Shami is expected to be back in action as India tour South Africa starting December 10 which will include three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.
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