Image Source: Twitter/Mohammad Shami
Despite starting the 2023 World Cup as a spectator, Mohammed Shami emerged as the tournament's top wicket-taker with an impressive 24 scalps in just seven matches. His late inclusion in the Indian team proved to be a masterstroke, but the team's journey fell short in the final, succumbing to a six-wicket defeat against Australia
Mohammed Shami is a name synonymous with pace and precision in the world of cricket. He is a fast bowler who has represented India in all three formats of the game. Shami is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl at a good pace. He has been a key player for India in recent years and has played a significant role in the team's success.
In an interview with PUMA, Shami opened up on the hardships he faced while trying to book a Ranji spot in UP.
“I had gone to give trials for the UP Ranji Trophy team for 2 years, but whenever the final round came, they used to kick me out.” Shami said, ‘When I was not selected after the trials in the first year, I thought it didn’t matter. Will come again next time, but next year the same thing happened again,” the 33-year-old recalled.
Shami then revealed the incident with his brother that made up his mind to leave UP and pursue his cricketing aspirations elsewhere.
“My brother used to watch all this happening. He was very sharp in this matter. When I went again the next year, the same thing happened, 1600 boys were there and the trials were going to last for 3 days. Brother said I am not able to understand anything. A fair is going on here. Brother talked to the selection head. Brother got such an answer from him which he had never imagined in his life.
“The selector told the brother that if you can move my chair, then the boy will be selected. It’s very good. Otherwise, sorry,” said Shami.
Shami, then, gave a trial for Tripura but failed to get into the team. He was, then, sent to Kolkata for a trial at a cricket club, where he was eventually selected without pay; the club took care of his food and accommodation.
“I took 45 wickets in 9 matches while playing for this club. After this, the manager gave me 25 thousand rupees and a train ticket. I was not sure about this at all. I went home and gave 25 thousand rupees to my mother, but my father returned this money to me. Papa said, ‘This is your earning, you should use it’. I bought shoes and accessories with this money,” revealed Shami.
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