Mohammed Shami's battle with injury: A story of pain, doubt, and redemption

As Shami embarked on his rehabilitation, complications arose-swelling in his left knee forced him into a 14-month-long exile from international cricket.

Just months ago, Mohammed Shami was at the peak of his career, spearheading India's bowling attack in the 2023 ODI World Cup with unrelenting precision. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, he found himself on the operating table—his career hanging in the balance. 

Mohammed Shami injury recovery

 

Shami’s ankle injury in the World Cup final against Australia required immediate surgery, but his struggles did not end there. As he embarked on his rehabilitation, complications arose—swelling in his left knee forced him into a 14-month-long exile from international cricket. 

Check India vs Bangladesh live score, match updates  here | ICC Champions Trophy 2025

 

Shami's comeback journey

 

"From being in great form during the World Cup to suddenly finding myself on the operating table—it was really tough," Shami told the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a candid reflection on his journey.

 

For the first two months, the 34-year-old battled a storm of self-doubt.

 

"I often questioned whether I would ever play again. A long injury layoff can pull you down in ways one cannot imagine," he admitted. 

Mohammed Shami ODI stats
	Span	Mat	Inns	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts	BBI	Avg	Econ	SR	4w	5w
ODI stats	2013-2025	103	102	846.4	52	4722	197	7/57	23.96	5.57	25.7	10	5
vs Team
	Span	Mat	Inns	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts	BBI	Avg	Econ	SR	4w	5w
vs Afghanistan	2014-2019	2	2	17.1	1	90	6	4/40	15	5.24	17.1	1	0
vs Australia	2013-2023	25	24	205.4	9	1248	39	5/51	32	6.06	31.6	1	1
vs Bangladesh	2014-2023	4	4	35	3	187	9	4/50	20.77	5.34	23.3	1	0
vs England	2013-2025	17	17	131.2	7	669	27	5/69	24.77	5.09	29.1	1	1
vs Ireland	2015-2015	1	1	9	0	41	3	3/41	13.66	4.55	18	0	0
vs Nepal	2023-2023	1	1	7	0	29	1	1/29	29	4.14	42	0	0
vs Netherland	2023-2023	1	1	6	0	41	0	-	-	6.83	-	0	0
vs New Zealand	2014-2023	14	14	118	7	715	37	7/57	19.32	6.05	19.1	1	2
vs Pakistan	2013-2015	3	3	28	5	107	5	4/35	21.4	3.82	33.6	1	0
vs South Africa	2013-2023	5	5	40	2	233	13	3/48	17.92	5.82	18.4	0	0
vs Sri Lanka	2013-2023	6	6	47	3	297	11	5/18	27	6.31	25.6	0	1
vs West Indies	2013-2019	18	18	149.3	10	834	37	4/16	22.54	5.57	24.2	4	0
vs Zimbabwe	2013-2015	6	6	53	5	231	9	3/48	25.66	4.35	35.3	0	0

 

The Hardest Battle: Learning to Walk Again 

For a fast bowler used to tearing in with full throttle, the transition from being an elite athlete to relying on crutches was mentally devastating.

 

"I always wondered when I would be able to put my feet on the ground again. Someone who is used to running constantly was now dependent on crutches," Shami recalled.  Check India vs Bangladesh full scorecard | ICC Champions Trophy 2025

 

His biggest test came after 60 days of rehabilitation, when doctors asked him to take his first step.

 

"You won’t believe it, but I have never been more scared to put my foot on the ground. It felt like I was starting over—like a toddler learning how to walk," he said.

 

That moment, more than any other, made him realise the fragility of a sporting career.

 

The Burning Desire to Return

  But Shami was not ready to give up. The idea of wearing the India jersey again became his singular motivation.

 

"My first question to the doctor was, 'How many days until I can be back on the field?' He told me, ‘First, let’s get you to walk. Then, jog. Then, run. Competitive cricket is still a distant goal.’"

 

Shami embraced the challenge with unwavering resilience. The pain, the setbacks, and the fear of failure—he endured it all with one goal in mind.

 

"Courage and passion to play for the country were my biggest motivators. The desire to wear the India badge on my chest kept me going," he said.

 

It was not an easy road. The self-doubt, the lingering pain, and the slow progress could have easily broken his spirit. But Shami refused to be defined by his injury.

 

"You take it one step at a time, without complaints or bitterness. The passion for representing my country has brought me this far," he reflected.

 

Redemption: Back in the Blue Jersey

  The comeback was never a question of if but when. Earlier this month, Shami marked his return, featuring in two T20Is and two ODIs against England—a testament to his perseverance.

 

Now, with Jasprit Bumrah sidelined, Shami is set to lead India’s pace attack in the Champions Trophy, a responsibility he embraces with pride.

 

"My motivation has always been to serve my country for as long as possible because once you step away, you're just like anyone else," he said.