Indian star fast bowler Mohammed Shami opened up on his journey and recurring pattern through the last three ODI World Cups. As Shami celebrated his 34th birthday on September 3, a video shared by Star Sports captured an amusing reaction by the bowler reflecting on his experiences through the last three editions of ODI World Cup. During the CEAT Cricket Awards last month, Shami was asked how it has been like beginning every World Cup on the bench.
Notably, during the ODI World Cup 2023, Shami didn’t start as a preferred player and was included in the squad in place of Hardik Pandya. Pandya was injured during a group match against Bangladesh, providing an opportunity to Shami. The 34-year-old made the most of it and emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 24 wickets in seven matches.
The star bowler was asked how it was like to have the same kind of experiences in every edition of the tournament. Shami reflected humorously on his journey and said that he is used to such things now. He told Mayanti Langer, “Aadat pad gayi hai shayad, kyuki 2015, 19, aur 23 mei, teeno mei same start hua. Aur jab mujhe mauka diya, coaches aur captain ne toh performance aise hi nikla ki fir in logo ne kabhi nahi socha ki ise baitha do.” (I have gotten used to it. In 2015, 19 and 2023, I have had the same start. But whenever the captain and coaches gave me a chance, I performed so much that they the idea of dropping me never crossed their minds.)
Shami’s answer and sense of humour left everyone including captain Rohit Sharma and former head coach Rahul Dravid in splits. The Amroha-born cricketer added, “Mehnat kar sakte hain, hamesha ready rehta hu ki chance mile. Kyuki aap chance doge toh hi kuch kar sakta hu, varna bench se toh sirf paani pila sakta hoon. Toh behtar hai jab mauka mile toh le lo.” (I can only work hard and am always ready for an opportunity. It is only when I can prove myself. Otherwise, I can only run onto the field to give water from the bench. Hence, It is better to seize the opportunity whenever you get it.)