One of the best bowlers of the current age, Mohammed Shami is an essential member of India's Test and ODI sides. But not long ago, he was struggling with personal issues that may have ended his playing career altogether.
Shami had injury problems in 2018 and then, just before the Indian team's visit to England, he failed a fitness test, costing him his spot. According to former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, the right-arm pacer considered giving up cricket completely after being defeated.
Shami was forced to sit out the lone Test against Afghanistan.
India's top-notch speed attack is ascribed to Arun, who during his time with the national men's squad oversaw the growth of Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav among others.
In a conversation with Cricbuzz, Arun recalled how Shami informed him about his strategy after the failed fitness test in a “angry” manner.
“We had a fitness test just before the 2018 England trip, and Shami had failed it. He was demoted from the Indian team. He gave me a call and asked to speak with me. So, because he was going through some personal upheaval, I asked him to my room. His health was suffering, and psychologically, he was lost. He approached me and said, “I'm furious and want to leave cricket,” “It was reported that Arun remarked.
Concerned, Arun soon went to the then-head coach Ravi Shastri for advice, who told the bowler to channel his rage into improving his fitness instead.
“I brought Shami to see Ravi Shastri right away. Shami wants to say something, Ravi, so we both walked up to his room. Shami responded the same way when Ravi enquired as to what it was, “I don't want to play cricket.” What would you do if you didn't play cricket, we both questioned? How much more do you know? When presented with a ball to bowl, you have skill “Added Arun.
It's wonderful that you're furious, Ravi remarked. You have a ball in your hands, thus this is the nicest thing that could have happened to you. You're not in good shape. Take out your rage on your body, whatever that may be. You will be sent to the National Cricket Academy, where we want you to spend the next four weeks. You won't go home; instead, you'll just go to NCA. Shami also found it convenient since he had trouble traveling to Kolkata at the time and spent 5 weeks there “Added he.
As it turned out, Shami's choice paid off handsomely as he reclaimed his position and rose to become one of the best fast bowlers in the world. He was brought back up for the tour of England, where he amassed 16 wickets in the Test series.
“I vividly recall the phone call he (Shami) placed to inform me that I had changed into a stallion. As much as you want, make me run. During his five weeks there, he realized the effects focusing on his fitness may have on him “Arun remembered.
