After missing the first four matches of the ODI World Cup 2023 hosted by India, Mohammed Shami made a comeback to lead the hosts to the final with an impressive campaign, bagging 24 wickets in seven matches at an average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.20. Despite playing with a chronic heel issue throughout the tournament, Shami was able to manage the pain with the help of injections, as per a report.
“Shami has a chronic left heel issue. Many people don’t know that he took injections regularly during World Cup and played the entire tournament through pain,” an unnamed former Bengal teammate of Shami was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
“But you must understand that as you grow older, recovery from each niggle or big injury takes that more time,” he added.
Mohammed Shami missed the first four matches of the World Cup as Shardul Thakur was preferred over him at No. 8. However, an injury to Hardik Pandya led to Shami's inclusion in the playing XI alongside Suryakumar Yadav. Despite missing his initial matches, Shami emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 24 wickets in the 7 matches, overcoming] Australia’s Adam Zampa's record of 23 wickets in 11 matches. His crucial contributions led India to the final, losing to Australia. Shami's absence was missed as India suffered an innings and 32-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Centurion, where there was a lack of proper support for new-ball bowlers.
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