Mohammed Shami credits team atmosphere as the main reason behind his limited-overs comeback

Mohammed Shami’s discomfort in the left knee began during the first Test of India's tour of Australia in 2014 and despite having a lot of pain, he made sure that he was available for selection in almost all matches in the 2015 World Cup - he sat out only for the UAE game - and ended up being India’s second highest wicket-taker in the tournament. However, the risk also resulted in a big gap in his international career as he had to sit out for almost one and half years due to the injury. 

When he made a return to the limited-overs team, in September 2017, he had lost the rhythm, but the team management’s trust in his abilities gave him a chance to find out the lost mojo, which was all on show in the last series against Australia and New Zealand after he made a comeback to the side in 2018 series against the Windies. During the Kiwi tour, he became the fastest Indian bowler to get to 100 ODI wickets and in the light of such an achievement, Shami credited the change in the team culture as one of the biggest reason behind his successful comeback.

“I feel the biggest factor for my comeback has been the change in the culture of the team, the fitness awakening that we have had has had a huge impact on me. I looked at others and worked on my game. I have enjoyed it fully. The fitness culture that we have in our team is amazing, you cannot even think about it,” Shami told India Today.

“I am thankful to God that I have been able to make this record. There are many reasons for it. Biggest is the unbelievably brilliant atmosphere in the dressing room, followed by the confidence that I have in MY ability right now and also the things that I continue to learn from our coaches. Everything has contributed and combined to take me to another level. There are many minute things which bring in a lot of confidence and help us to get into the rhythm. For instance, not just on the ground, have a look at the way we (Indian players) treat each other off the field too. We enjoy every little thing. This helps a great deal.”

Just two days before every match in that World Cup, Shami had to let the fluids sucked out of the knee, and then practise on the day before playing the game. India didn't want to risk the momentum they had built and risking one of the best bowlers in the world during that time was not an option. After India lost the semi-final to Australia, he was on the crutches and had to wait for 18 months before making a return to the fold. Although an occupational hazard, Shami knew that he had to keep patience and amidst the frustration, he kept himself motivated to continue the recovery regime. 

“It took me nearly 18 months to recover from the knee injury and play for the country again. Not just physically, it is mentally very disturbing too. You have to be very strong to counter it. Patience is the key as the daily procedure, the recovery regime, the repetitive nature of the entire thing can irritate and depress anyone. It is difficult to sit out and watch the team playing matches without you. I will never forget that year and a half of my life after the last World Cup,” the pacer concluded.