'In ICC Events, I Don't Care...': Mohammed Shami Reveals Secret Behind His Success In Global Tournaments
Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul in India's opening match of the Champions Trophy and thus continued his incredible form in ICC tournaments.
Mohammed Shami spent a significant period on the sidelines following his memorable show with the ball at the 2023 ODI World Cup which played a key role in India’s unbeaten run to the final. An ankle injury that needed a surgery later on meant Shami wouldn’t play any competitive cricket for nearly a year and it was him miss India’s title triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Shami made his domestic return last November and then India comeback in January this year. Having proved his fitness, the veteran fast bowler made the cut for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.
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And on Thursday, Shami proved why the team management was so eager for him to attain full fitness and be available for the ICC tournament.
As India began their Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai, Shami produced a terrific show, picking up a five-wicket haul – a performance that saw him surpass the legendary Zaheer Khan for the record of most wickets for an Indian bowler ICC’s 50-over tournaments.
Shami has now 60 wickets in ICC ODI events from mere 19 innings while Zaheer took 59 wickets in 32 innings.
At the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 34-year-old had taken 24 wickets and finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker having played just 7 games.
When asked about what’s the reason behind his prolific run in ICC events, Shami said economy is the least of his concerns as he’s always looking to get wickets.
“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 admitted that the time away from cricket was tough.
“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," he said.
India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets and will next take on Pakistan in their second Group A fixture on Sunday.
“After winning, you stay in full confidence. Mindset will remain the same against Pakistan. No problem at all," Shami said ahead of the blockbuster clash.
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