‘Shami bhai ne Yuvi ki yaad dila di’ – Fans react as Mohammed Shami took injections during CWC23 to play with injury

Mohammed Shami, the standout bowler of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, recently came under the spotlight due to revelations about a ‘chronic heel issue’ he battled throughout the tournament. Despite missing the initial matches, Shami emerged as the leading wicket-taker, leaving a lasting impact on the global cricketing stage.

Reports indicate that Shami coped with the persistent left heel problem, resorting to regular injections to manage the pain during the World Cup. An unnamed former Bengal teammate of Shami disclosed, “Shami has a chronic left heel issue. A lot of people don’t know that he took injections regularly during the World Cup and played the entire tournament through pain.”

The teammate emphasised the challenges of recovery as players age, highlighting that Shami’s determination to contribute to the team drove him to endure the discomfort. Shami’s resilience and commitment to the game became evident as he played a pivotal role in India’s campaign, ultimately finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.

Hardik Pandya made way for Mohammed Shami

Initially sitting out of India’s first four World Cup matches, Shami’s opportunity arose when Hardik Pandya suffered an injury against Bangladesh in Pune. Seizing the chance, Shami showcased his prowess, claiming 24 wickets in just seven appearances, including three five-wicket hauls. His instrumental role played a crucial part in India’s performance in the tournament, showcasing his ability to deliver under challenging circumstances.

Australia’s Adam Zampa, who secured the second spot on the list of top wicket-takers with 23 scalps, played 11 matches to achieve this feat. Shami’s exceptional performance, coupled with the revelation of his persistent heel issue, underscores the physical and mental challenges that elite athletes navigate to contribute to their teams at the highest level. As discussions around Shami’s resilience continue, his story becomes an inspiration for aspiring cricketers and a testament to the sacrifices players make to excel on the international stage.

Here is how fans react to Mohammed Shami’s injury: