Mohammed Shami, an Indian fast bowler, had contemplated leaving cricket due to personal and professional issues that left him mentally and physically drained. In 2018, Shami failed the Yo-Yo Test, which cost him his spot in the Indian cricket team during the England tour. Shami had previously suffered injuries that disrupted his cricketing career.
After being dropped from the team, Shami confided in Bharat Arun, the former Indian bowling coach, and expressed his desire to quit cricket. Arun, realizing Shami’s state of mind, took him to the then-India head coach, Ravi Shastri, for guidance. Shastri suggested that Shami could use his frustration and anger as motivation to improve his fitness and make a strong comeback.
Shastri instructed Shami to spend a month at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to work on his fitness. The pacer spent five weeks at the NCA, and the intensive training helped him regain his physical and mental strength. Shami made a successful comeback and was included in India’s squad for the England series. Although India lost the series, Shami emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker with 16 wickets.
Arun revealed in an interview with Cricbuzz that Shami’s conversation with Shastri had played a crucial role in the pacer’s resurgence. Arun stated that Shastri’s plan had worked as Shami became motivated to work on his fitness, which ultimately helped him make a roaring comeback. Shami’s perseverance and determination were evident, and he bounced back from his setbacks to continue his cricketing career.
