Mohammed Shami talks struggles and preparation ahead of India's CT opener

Ahead of the ICC Mens Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Bangladesh Indias rightarm seamer Mohammed Shami revealed there were times when he thought his international career was over and he would never get another opportunity to represent the country as per the ICCShami injured his ankle during the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup in 2023 and was sidelined for almost a year as he battled with selfdoubt and a strict rehabilitation processThe 34yearold did make a successful return when featuring in four whiteball fixtures for India against England across the last month and is now set to push his comeback even further when he turns out for his country in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh in Dubai International Stadium on ThursdayIts been a long road back to the big stage for Shami and the talented rightarmer said there were times when he thought he may never make it back at allFrom being in great form during the World Cup to suddenly finding myself on the operating table from that form to being injured was really tough My first question to the doctor was how many days until I can be back on the field He said my priority is to get you to walk then jog and then run and thinking about playing competitive cricket is still a distant goal Shami told the ICCI always wondered when I would be able to put my feet on the ground again someone who is used to running on the field constantly was now in crutches A lot of thoughts used to run through my mind Will I be able to do it again Will I be able to walk without a limp For the first two months I often doubted whether I would be able to play again as an injury like this followed by a 14month break can pull you down the fast bowler addedShami paid tribute to the role his family played during his rehabilitation and said the BCCI had been very supportive of him throughout the processIt was the desire to once again represent India on the big stage that drove Shami during the tough times and gave him the strength to push through the pain barrierAfter 60 days when they asked me to put my feet on the ground you wont believe me but I have ever been more scared to put my foot on the ground It felt like I was starting over like a toddler learning how to walk and I was worried about any complications Shami saidCourage and passion to play for the country are the biggest motivators and the desire to wear the India badge on my chest kept me going You endure the pain and take it one step at a time without complaints or bitterness The passion for representing my country has brought me this far It was tough and there was pain but with resilience and patience I made it through the 34yearold player addedBefore the start of the mega event Shami made a successful return The speedster said that he wanted to prolong his career and continue to represent India for as long as his body allowsMy motivation has always been to serve my country for as long as possible Once you step away youre just like anyone else Today by the grace of god I am playing for India again and feeling much better Shami concluded