Mohammed Shami: Time after injury was toughest, irritating

Mohammed Shami

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami yesterday described the frustrating long break he was forced to endure after picking up a knee injury that kept him away from the game for nine months.


Mohammed Shami

"When injury happened the doctors prohibited me from getting up from bed for two months. That was the toughest time for me. I was allowed to walk only up to the bathroom," said the Bengal pacer who was on crutches for more than a month after his surgery.

"I could not play, which was also tough. When the team went for Bangladesh, I had gone to meet them and at that time I felt like I was back in this world. That time again was the toughest.

"After that when I started associating with cricket running, in rehab and meeting doctors - then I felt good. When the team members were in Bengaluru and Kolkata I got associated with my world again," he said.

"I feel the time after injury is the worst for any player and you have to be mentally strong to be prepared for this. Injury is an irritating thing and I hope next time this (injury) does not come in my life again."

Shami recently got back into action and proved he was back in form and fitness in the domestic limited over circuit.

"Playing in the Vijay Hazare and Mushtaq Ali trophies was important for me to get back into rhythm. I was keen to play four-five matches before the tour," he added.

Batsman Manish Pandey said it was high time for him to prove himself in the one-day format.

"Recently I have evolved in ODI. The last couple of matches in the domestic circuit were good. There might be an image of me playing shots as a T20 batsman. It's high time for me to prove myself in ODIs," said the Karnataka batsman.

"I think I will try to be consistent in whatever no. I bat," he said.