Have you heard the breaking news on cricket?
Mohammed Shami, one of the best Indian cricket players, was conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award by President Droupadi Murmu on January 9 in New Delhi at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Arjuna Award is the second-highest sporting honour in India, given to athletes who have shown excellence in their respective fields and displayed qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline. Shami is among the 26 sportspersons who received the award for outstanding performances in 2023.
Breaking News on Cricket: Shami’s Stellar Performance in the World Cup 2023
Shami’s name was recommended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after his sensational performances in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps in just seven matches.
He broke several records in the process, such as becoming the first Indian bowler to take four wickets in consecutive matches.
Shami was not part of the playing XI for the first four matches of the World Cup as he was recovering from an ankle injury. He got his chance in the fifth match against New Zealand, where he took five wickets and helped India win by some good runs. He continued his impressive form in the next matches, taking crucial wickets against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Shami’s performance in the World Cup 2023 was widely praised by fans, experts, and former cricketers. He is hailed as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, who swings the ball both ways, and is known for his nagging accuracy. Shami can bowl with efficiency and penetration in all types of pitch conditions. Currently recovering from a heel injury, Shami is also lauded for his fitness, work ethic, and resilience, as he overcame personal and professional challenges to shine on the biggest stage in cricket.
Also Read: Mohammad Shami: The Record Breaker of ICC World Cup 2023
Breaking News on Cricket: Shami’s Journey from a Small Town to the International Arena
In the quiet corners of a remote village in Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh, a young boy named Mohammed Shami was nurturing a dream. The son of a farmer who was once a fast bowler himself, Shami was one among five siblings, all with a shared passion for fast bowling. His father, recognising the spark in his son’s eyes, introduced him to a renowned coach in Moradabad. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey towards cricketing stardom.
However, the path was not always smooth. Shami faced disappointment during the U-19 selection due to alleged political interference. But, with his coach’s guidance, he moved to Kolkata. There, he was groomed by coach Debabrata Das and earned a place in the U-22 Bengal side.
Shami’s talent did not go unnoticed. After an impressive net session, he caught the eye of none other than former India captain Sourav Ganguly, which catapulted him into the Bengal Ranji team. From there, Shami’s career took flight. He demonstrated his versatility and skill on various pitches, and despite injuries and personal challenges, he became a crucial player in India’s limited-overs squad. His performance in the 2015 World Cup, where he played with a concealed knee injury, was particularly noteworthy.
Shami’s debut in red-ball cricket came during Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series in 2013. His seam-up prowess was on full display, earning him nine wickets. He faced trials on overseas tours and excelled in Australia but was unfortunately sidelined due to injury.
Yet, his mastery in ball maintenance and performance under challenging conditions and his knack for swing and seam have cemented his status as a top-tier fast bowler.
Shami’s journey has been marked by overcoming personal and professional hurdles. He achieved significant milestones, such as a World Cup hat-trick and becoming the fastest Indian to claim 150 ODI wickets in 2022.
Starting as a humble village boy in Uttar Pradesh and now receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award, his story reflects the strength of dreams and determination. His ascent to cricket’s highest levels is incredibly inspiring. It shows that even the most ambitious goals are achievable with dedication and persistence.
Shami’s Future Plans and Aspirations
Shami, who is 33 years old, has expressed his desire to play for India for as long as possible and to win more trophies and accolades for the country. He has also said that he wants to inspire young cricketers, especially from rural areas, to follow their dreams and work hard to achieve them. Shami has also thanked his family, friends, coaches, teammates, and fans for their constant support and motivation.
Shami, known for his humble and down-to-earth personality, has said that he is grateful for the Arjuna Award and that it recognises his hard work and dedication. He has dedicated the award to his late father, Tauseef Ali, who passed away in 2017. Late Tauseef was his biggest inspiration and mentor. Shami has also said that he will continue to give his best for the Indian cricket team.