Indian cricket fans are in for a disappointment as Mohammad Shami, the highest wicket-taker of the Cricket World Cup 2023, is likely to miss the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. Shami, who played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the ODI World Cup final, has been grappling with a persistent heel injury that has cast a shadow over his participation in the T20Is scheduled to commence on January 11, 2024.
Mohammad Shami showcased exceptional performance in the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. His remarkable contributions played a crucial role in propelling India to the World Cup final, where they faced Australia. Despite India’s loss in the final, Shami’s consistent and impactful bowling earned him accolades and recognition.
However, the joy of his World Cup success is now overshadowed by a chronic left heel issue that has been bothering Shami since the ODI World Cup. Sources reveal that Shami, determined to contribute to the team’s success, played through pain during the entire tournament, resorting to regular injections to manage the discomfort. Unfortunately, the heel injury has persisted, leading to concerns about his availability for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan.
A former Bengal teammate of Shami, shedding light on the situation, stated, “Shami has a chronic left heel issue. A lot of people don’t know that he took injections regularly during World Cup and played the entire tournament through pain. But you must understand that as you grow older, recovery from each niggle or big injury takes that more time.”
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The lingering nature of Shami’s heel injury raises doubts about his participation in the T20I series against Afghanistan. Having not played a single match since the World Cup, Shami’s absence would be a significant blow to the Indian bowling lineup. His skill and experience would have been crucial against a formidable Afghanistan side.
Mohammad Shami, in a recent interaction with the press, shared insights into India’s six-wicket loss against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final. Expressing the disappointment felt by the entire nation, Shami acknowledged the team’s efforts to maintain momentum throughout the tournament. He admitted the inability to pinpoint the specific areas where they faltered in the final match.
“The whole nation was disappointed (when India lost the World Cup). We tried hundred per cent to continue the momentum till the end that we had created and win the final. But…it cannot be explained, where we went wrong at the end,” Shami said.
After the heartbreak of the World Cup final loss, the Indian cricket team received an unexpected morale boost when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the dressing room. Shami, in an interview with Aaj Tak, revealed that the players were not prepared for the PM’s visit, and it came as a surprise. Despite their dejection, Shami emphasized the need to keep their heads high in the presence of the Prime Minister.