Team India's dream journey concluded on a disappointing note, leaving a billion dreams shattered, as Australia clinched their sixth title with a six-wicket victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad on November 19.
The ICC World Cup 2023 witnessed one of the best performances by Mohammad Shami who shined for India even after playing just 7 games. Shami finished the World Cup 2023 as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps to his name, but like other millions of fans, his dream of winning the trophy remained uncompleted.
Performing despite adversity is Shami's forte and this was his third World Cup appearance. His World Cup debut came in 2015 and in a recent chat, Shami revealed that he played the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand while suffering immense knee pains and had to take injections after every match he played.
Mohammad Shami said at the PUMA headquarters in Bengaluru: “Nobody knew the pain I was dealing with (during the 2015 edition). I had swelling in my knee before the 2015 tournament. Someone else could have said no but I have the ability to bear pain.”
He added, “I was told two options—either directly go for surgery or play the tournament and then go for the surgery. While the team would return to the hotel after every match, I would go to the hospital to take the injection. When you play for the country, you forget everything.”
Speaking about his knee operation, Shami said: “I was unconscious for two hours. When I woke up, I asked the doctor when I could start playing. He replied, 'It will be a big achievement if you walk without a limp, forget playing. It all depends on how you go about your rehab.”
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Well, the Indian pacer made a remarkable comeback and never looked back. The 33-year-old shared his secret that helps him excel with the ball for his country.
Shami explained, “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 doesn't follow any pre-match ritual as he keeps things simple.
Shami signed off by saying, “Better hai aap subah utho, mast fresh hojao, chaay peeyo, gaane suno (it's better you wake up, get fresh, have tea and listen to songs).”
(With TOI Inputs)
