Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami has revealed his frustrations after being forced away from cricket for close to 9 months due to a knee injury he picked up during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. Back in India’s limited-overs squads for its tour of Australia which begins in a week’s time, Shami added that he hoped to never pick up an injury again in his career.
The 25-year-old played through the pain barrier as India’s premier bowler with MS Dhoni’s men progressing to the semifinals stage of cricket’s showcase tournament jointly held in Australia and New Zealand. Shami underwent knee surgery post the World Cup and only returned to action last month.
Speaking about his time away from cricket, Shami felt that the initial period post the surgery was the hardest to endure as he could barely walk.
“When the injury happened the doctors prohibited me from getting up from bed for two months. That was the toughest time for me. I was allowed to walk only up to the bathroom," said the Bengal pacer. "I could not play, which was also tough.”
Shami was in crutches for close to a month before travelling to Bangladesh to meet the Indian team that toured Bangladesh in June.
“When the team went for Bangladesh, I had gone to meet them and at that time, I felt like I was back in this world. That time again was the toughest. After that when I started associating with cricket running, in rehab and meeting doctors - then I felt good. When the team members were in Bengaluru and Kolkata I got associated with my world again," he said.
He might be only 25, but Shami is hopeful that he doesn’t end up going through a lengthy injury lay-off such as this one in the future.
"I feel the time after injury is the worst for any player and you have to be mentally strong to be prepared for this. An injury is an irritating thing and I hope next time this (injury) does not come in my life again," Shami said.
With plenty of cricket ahead for India in 2016, including the ICC Twenty20 World Cup to held in March, the national selectors decided not to risk Shami for the Tests against South Africa.
That gave the medium pacer ample time to get back in top shape before making his long-awaited comeback in the domestic circuit and has been named in both the ODI & T20 squads for India’s tour of Australia.
Shami revealed his delight at being able to play competitive cricket again and sounded confident about a good showing Down Under.
“Playing in the Vijay Hazare and Mushtaq Ali trophies was important for me to get back into rhythm. I was keen to play four-five matches before the tour," he added.
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