Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami did not inform his team-mates that his daughter was in the ICU during the 2nd Test match versus New Zealand in Kolkata. Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has revealed that he simply was unaware of what was in Shami's mind and what he was going through. The fast bowler, however, informed his captain about it later on.
Earlier yesterday, Kohli's team had set a new record by making a clean sweep of the three-Test series against the Kiwis. The last match which concluded in Indore on Tuesday saw India outclassing the visitors in all aspects of the game.
During the Kolkata Test match, which was the 2nd match of the series, Aairah, Shami's infant daughter, was admitted to a local hospital after being diagnosed with a high fever. Her condition was unstable initially and she was kept in the ICU.
On the second day of the Test, the 14-month-old was rushed to the hospital. However, Shami continued to play the match without informing his captain.
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It was only later that the 26-year-old fast bowler spoke with Kohli about his daughter's condition and what he was personally going through. Shami went on to produce a match-winning spell of fiery fast bowling as India comfortably won.
After the series victory in Indore, Kohli was asked about Shami to which the captain said that the Bengal bowler was a very likeable character in the dressing room and everyone loved him. He said, "He (Shami) is someone who is a character in the change room. On the field, you won't see him coming out in the open and expressing himself too much. But he is someone everyone loves in the team.”
He continued, "He is someone everyone gets along with. Whatever might be happening with him, we won't know. I had no clue that his daughter was in the hospital. He told us after."
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The Delhi batsman, who is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world currently, hailed Shami's performance and branded him as a "top bowler". He was quick to add that Shami just needed to be motivated from time to time.
The skipper said, "He (Shami) is a guy who comes on to the field and gives everything. He just needs a bit of motivation every now and then, which every fast bowler does in conditions that we have. Skill-wise there is no doubt that he is a top bowler. He has a knack of picking up wickets.”
"Shami is just like any normal guy of his age. It is just that he is not expressive on the field. He is a very likeable character in the change room and among the team members," the 27-year-old added.
Shami later lauded Virat Kohli's leadership when he took to social media to express his joy of winning the series.
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