Mohammed Shami, the star player of the Indian cricket team, has been making headlines since the conclusion of the Cricket World Cup 2023. With an impressive tally of 24 wickets, Shami emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Despite the presence of renowned bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, it was Shami who outshone them all. Notably, he achieved a remarkable feat by taking a seven-wicket haul in the semi-final match, becoming the first Indian player to do so in ODIs.
Shami’s journey to success can be traced back to his humble beginnings in Uttar Pradesh. He honed his cricketing skills playing at the national level for Bengal before eventually earning a spot in the Indian cricket team. Recently, Shami provided some insights into his personal life and upbringing.
Speaking on PUMA’s YouTube channel, Shami revealed his hobbies and the precautions he now takes as a professional cricketer. He expressed his love for traveling, fishing, and driving, particularly bikes and cars. However, he acknowledged that he has refrained from riding bikes since playing for the national team. Shami explained that he avoids the risk of potential injuries, especially during highway rides, though he occasionally enjoys riding in his village when visiting his mother.
Recalling his childhood, Shami shared some amusing anecdotes about his experiences driving various vehicles. He admitted to driving tractors, buses, and even trucks. Shami mentioned driving a bus inside the grounds during his school days. He laughingly reminisced about driving their family tractor into a pond, which led to his father reprimanding him. These stories shed light on the down-to-earth nature of the ace bowler.
During the interview, Shami also discussed a significant incident involving his brother and the selection trials for the Uttar Pradesh team. Shami’s brother questioned the chief selector about the reason behind his non-selection, to which the selector responded with a challenge. He said, “If you can move my chair, the boy will be selected. Otherwise, sorry.” Shami’s brother confidently replied that he could not only move the chair but also turn it upside down, showcasing his strength. However, Shami emphasized that he did not want such favors and believed that selection should be based solely on merit. He added that the selector dismissed capable individuals, leading his brother to tear up the form and vow to distance themselves from Uttar Pradesh cricket. This incident marked Shami’s departure from playing cricket in Uttar Pradesh.
Shami then moved to Calcutta at the age of 14-15 and approached a coach with a determination to pursue his cricketing dreams. He gained valuable experience and eventually joined the Arun Lal academy. Despite being surprised by the short run-up space and the unusual lunch of chickpea curry, Shami continued to work hard. His perseverance paid off when a club offered him a contract, although they initially did not provide any payment. Eventually, he received a sum of Rs 25,000 from a club official, which further fueled his determination to succeed.
Mohammed Shami’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading wicket-taker in the Cricket World Cup 2023 serves as a testament to his talent and resilience. His dedication to the sport and his unwavering spirit make him a true role model for aspiring cricketers.
