Born on September 3, 1990, Mohammed Shami — India‘s highest wicket-taker in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 — turns 26. Armed with pace and swing, it did not take time for the speedster to make headlines with his stellar bowling abilities. Shami made his international debut against Pakistan in a 50-over encounter, in 2013. However, he rose to prominence in his Test debut (also Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series) against West Indies later that year, taking 9 wickets in the match. Be the new or old ball, he has the superior skills to make it move on any given surface. All the same, his knee injury often flares up when he goes through a gruelling season, keeping him out of action. Also read: Rahane wants to focus only on NZ series for now
In addition, he was expected to make comeback in early 2016. But he pulled his hamstring that eventually kept him out of the Australia tour and Asia Cup T20 2016. Nonetheless, he featured in the 15-man squad for the ICC World T20 2016. With the likes of ever-improving Jasprit Bumrah and stalwart Ashish Nehra at India’s disposal, he did not get to play in the starting XI.
In 6 T20Is he played for India, he has scalped 8 wickets at an average of 25.50.
But one must not judge his abilities by his T20I numbers. His performance in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) is staggering. In 47 matches, he has picked up 87 wickets at a stunning average of 24.89, including five four-wicket hauls. He, in fact, became the first Indian to bowl four maiden overs on his ODI debut. Also read: Yuvraj determined to play ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
He often clocks 140 kmph, and has troubled best of the batsmen ever since his debut. In fact, his fastest delivery at international level clocked 147.9 kmph.
Though he he hails from Uttar Pradesh, he represents Bengal in domestic cricket. In Ranji Trophy 2012-13, he took 28 wickets at 21.35 in five matches, which includes two 10-fors.
In Indian Premier League (IPL) 2011, he was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, he was then signed by Delhi Daredevils (DD) in 2014. Overall, he has played only 18 IPL games, picking up 18 wickets. Also read: BCCI open to use DRS without Hawk-Eye
In India’s pink-ball debut, it was Shami who dictated terms and grabbed a seven-for to guide Mohun Bagan to 296-run win against Bhowanipore Club Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens.
Shami is also known for his batsmanship lower down the order. In 2013, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he added 111 runs, registering second-highest stand for the 10th wicket. All in all, he has represented India in 16 Tests, taking 58 wickets at 34.18, including four four-wicket and two five-wicket hauls. Also read: De Villiers incredibly humbled by response of his autobiography
In the recently concluded India-West Indies series in the Caribbean, he was India’s second highest wicket-taker, with 11 wickets at 25.81.
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India are scheduled to play three Tests against New Zealand, five against England, four against Australia and one against Bangladesh. Given the hectic timetable, Shami will have to maintain his fitness and help India win series at home to regain the No. 1 spot in ICC Test Rankings.
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