India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami has seen many highs in his career, but there was a time when he almost gave it all up. Back in 2018, after failing a fitness test and dealing with personal turmoil, Shami was on the verge of quitting cricket.
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun recently revealed how he and then-head coach Ravi Shastri stepped in at a crucial moment to pull Shami back from the edge.
From World Cup Final to Duleep Trophy
Shami last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and has since been out of action. Now, as he battles for a comeback while representing East Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru, Arun’s story sheds light on the resilience that has defined his career.
“Paaji, Mai Cricket Chhor Doonga”
Recollecting the 2018 phase, Arun said Shami was heartbroken after being dropped from the Afghanistan Test in Bengaluru. His personal life was in turmoil, and failing the fitness test only deepened his frustration.
“He came to my room and said, ‘Paaji, mai cricket chor doonga (I will quit cricket).’ He was completely dejected,” Arun recalled in a Times of India podcast.
Shastri’s Tough Love
Arun admitted he tried convincing Shami but eventually took him to Ravi Shastri. “Ravi told him, ‘If you are angry, show it with the ball in your hand. Don’t quit cricket because of fitness,’” Arun revealed.
With that, the team management sent Shami to the National Cricket Academy with one simple instruction: work only on fitness, no bowling.
The Remarkable Turnaround
Just three weeks later, Shami called Arun with renewed energy. “He told me, ‘Paaji, mai toh abhi ghode ki tarah bhaag raha hoon (I am running like a horse).’ That was the turning point,” Arun said.
Shami returned fitter than ever and went on to play all five Tests in England later that year. In the final Test, he bowled a fiery spell at 140 kmph even on the last day — proof of his regained confidence and fitness.
The Legacy of a Fighter
That phase became a defining chapter in Shami’s journey. From almost walking away from the game to scripting one of the most inspiring comebacks, Shami’s story is a reminder of resilience, belief, and the right guidance at the right time.
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