Mohammed Shami made an impactful start in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia, claiming David Warner on his very first ball. However, despite this promising start, India faced defeat as Australia secured a six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad.
Shami emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 24 wickets from eight games, showcasing remarkable bowling prowess with three impressive fifers. His journey in cricket has been akin to a movie script, from scoring a century as an opener in his first leather ball match to overcoming personal challenges and making a comeback post a knee operation.
Reflecting on the 2015 edition, Shami revealed that he was dealing with knee swelling before the tournament. Despite being given the option for surgery, he chose to play through the pain, receiving injections after matches while the team returned to the hotel. His commitment to the team superseded his physical discomfort.
After undergoing a knee operation, Shami's journey back to the field was challenging. Doctors doubted if he could walk without a limp, let alone play. However, his determination propelled him forward, leading to a remarkable comeback.
Surpassing bowling greats like Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath, Shami became India's highest wicket-taker in World Cup history with 55 wickets from 18 matches. His historic performance in the semi-finals, where he registered India's best ODI bowling figures of 7-57, exemplified his incredible resurgence.
Shami's approach is simple yet effective—he doesn't inspect the pitch before the game, believing the true nature of it is revealed only while bowling. He prefers to stay relaxed without following any specific pre-match ritual, believing it aids in better performance.
(With Agency Inputs)
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