Shami has not played for India since his appearance in the 2023 World Cup final.
Senior pacer Mohammad Shami is all set to make his much-awaited India comeback in the five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22 in Kolkata.
Shami has not played for India since his appearance in the 2023 World Cup final. He underwent an operation on his Achilles tendon in February last year, and made his return to competitive action through the first phase of Ranji Trophy and the subsequent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Bengal.
The right-arm quick recently plied his trade in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (domestic 50-over tournament). However, he missed out on the tour of Australia due to swelling in his knee.
The England series, featuring three ODIs too, will provide Shami with an ideal preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9.
On the eve of the first T20I against England, the BCCI uploaded a video on their official website, in which Shami can be seen talking about his comeback and inspiration in life while flying a kite.
"The balance of the kite is like lives in cricket, if you're set at the crease you will score runs and take wickets. The rhythm is very important, everything in life has a flow. Whatever it is, your fitness, mindset and skill is important for bowling. Same goes for the kite as well," Shami said.
He added, "Doesn't matter if it is flying a kite, bowling or driving a car, if you are strong and believe in yourself, then I don't think you will find any difference. Look, even after 15 years, I am able to fly this kite. Hence confidence is important for any task."
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy helped Shami regain his rhythm and convinced the selectors to pick him for India.
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the 34-year-old claimed five wickets in three games, and he finished SMAT 2024 with 11 scalps in nine matches.
Shami remarked, "When you are scoring runs and taking wickets, everyone is with you. But the real test is to realize who is with you during your tough times. I waited for an entire year and I worked very hard. There was a sense of fear even while running. It's difficult for any player to get injured after being in full flow, go to the NCA for rehabilitation and then make a comeback. When you go through injuries, I feel you grow stronger as an athlete, because you have to repeat a lot of things while being mentally strong. Whatever is done, it is done. I have crossed that phase. If you work hard, you will get the result. That's what I believe in. Even if we fall, we have to get up and walk again, the same applies to sports too. If you get injured, you have to make a comeback, for your team and your country. So, fight and grow!"
The video also captured Shami taking part in an intense training session at the Eden Gardens, first warming up and then bowling at full steam ahead of the busy international season.