The comeback hero of India's first victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Mohammed Shami was at one point thinking about retirement, revealed his coach Badruddin Siddique in an interview with Bhaskar after India's game against Bangladesh. The 34-year-old Shami made a strong comeback on Thursday by taking 5 wickets against Bangladesh on the field of Dubai. He became the fastest Indian bowler to take 200 ODI wickets. But during his injury layoff, there was a time that Shami was doubtful if he would ever get to this stage. Shami got injured after the 2023 ODI World Cup final. He had to undergo ankle surgery. Then he had to wait 14 months for a comeback. Badruddin shared with Bhaskar, "Shami was doubtful about his own comeback. At one point, thoughts of retiring from international cricket started coming to his mind." He had lost confidence in himself. He started feeling that he might not be able to play international cricket again. Many thoughts began to enter his mind; he had turned 32 years old. In such a situation, it is difficult for fast bowlers to make a comeback. Coach and elder brother motivated Shami
Badruddin said that "During Shami's period of despair, his elder brother and I motivated him. He received support from the family. I told him, You still have 2-3 years of cricket left in you and you can make a comeback. He had previously proven himself in international cricket by making comebacks from injuries several times." Coach reveals details behind Shami's comeback
Explaining Shami's comeback plan, Badruddin said, "We had planned that Shami would not return until he was fully fit. This is why his return was delayed." Shami was not part of the Indian team in the T-20 World Cup and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Badruddin revealed that after rehab, the plan was to bowl small spells in net sessions. They used to bowl 4 overs. Before the Champions Trophy, Shami practiced bowling 8 over spells in the nets. 'Shami will make up for Bumrah's absence'
On not being in form against England, Shami's coach said, "We had planned to give 100% effort only after playing two-three international matches. He bowled with full capacity today. Now I can say that he will make up for Bumrah's absence."Original Article