Mohammed Shami has done exceptionally well in both the games he has played so far in the World Cup. But 18 months ago, Mohammed Shami would not have thought of even being a part of the World Cup squad. After failing the fitness test and suffering through personal problems, Shami has clearly done enough work to be where he is today.
The pacer feels that he alone is the person to be credited for the way he has turned his fortunes. After the win against West Indies on Thursday, Shami said, “Credit? Who else but me. I give full credit to myself.”
Shami has been through some really tough times in the last one and a half year. He was accused of domestic violence and then asked to sit out of a test match because of fitness issue. However, the way he has bounced back has kept all critics at bay.
Shami got his first chance in the World Cup after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was forced out due to an injury scare. And there could not be better acceptance of a chance. Four wickets in the match against Afghanistan with a hattrick set the tone for the pacer. And to strengthen, Shami took another four scalps in the match against West Indies.
“Yes, I thank the Almighty for giving me the strength to fight everything – from family issues to fitness. It wasn’t only about failing YoYo test. I failed that’s a separate thing but then I have worked hard and improved my fitness. I feel I am in a good zone now as I have lost weight, got the rhythm and everything is working for me,” said Shami.
A fit Bhuvi was expected to make a comeback into the XI as he is very good against left-handers. However, India persisted with Shami. And the pacer paid back with the wicket of Chris Gayle very early on in the innings.
“Since we played IPL together, I have a bit of an idea about him when you play together for some time. I knew that if I don’t allow him to chance his arms, he will get out in desperation trying to hit me,” Shami said about how he executed his plans against Gayle.
When asked about not getting a chance in the early part of the tournament, Shami said it is all about patience and remaining positive.
