Mohammed Shami is all set to make his much-awaited return to the international arena after more than a year with the five-match T20I series against England. He was also named in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad.
As the T20I series is set to begin at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on Wednesday, January 22, the BCCI shared a touching video on social media where Shami reflected on his journey and inspiration while flying a kite.
The video starts with the Indian pacer saying that it has been a long time since he last flew a kite as cricket kept him busy but he can still fly a kite and knows how to keep it balanced. Even Shami created a meaningful connection between kite flying and the game of cricket.
Kite balance is like lives in cricket: Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami compared the balance required to fly a kite to the pace and focus required on the field. The experienced pacer stressed that maintaining fitness, mindset and skill is as important in bowling as it is in controlling a kite, but it is always about confidence.
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Mohammed Shami said in the video shared by the BCCI on social media: “Kite balance is like lives in cricket. if you are set at the crease, you will score runs and take wickets. Pace is very important. everything in life has a flow. Whatever it is, your fitness, mindset and skill are important to bowling.
The same goes for the kite. It doesn’t matter if it’s kite flying, bowling or driving a car. if you are strong and believe in yourself then i don’t think you will find any difference. Look, even after 15 years, I can still fly that kite. Therefore, trust is important for any job.”
“You must not give up your stubbornness”
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old credits his successful recovery to his resilience and determination. Sami said his constant drive to get back on the field and represent his country kept him motivated during his long journey.
However, the Indian paceman admitted that he initially felt some fear running but managed to overcome it completely.
Mohammed Sami further explained his point: “When we are young, our parents teach us to walk, so we fall and get up, but we never stop learning to walk, so you must not give up your stubbornness. Even if you fall, you have to get up and walk again, so similarly in the same profession, if you get hurt, you have to work hard for your team and your country, so I always say this: keep fighting, keep moving forward.”
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Mohammed Shami says injuries make him a stronger player
The Bengal paceman also mentioned that when a player does well, everyone is on his side, but he faces the real test in his tough times.
Shami said he waited for a whole year and worked very hard to come back. He also pointed out that the injuries made him even stronger as an athlete because he had to repeat a lot of things while being mentally strong.
Mohammed Shami said that he always believes in hard work and his tough phase is over now. The Indian pacer said that setbacks are a part of life but the key is to get back up and keep going. Injuries can knock you down, but the determination to come back, for your team and your country, is what really matters. Shami signed off saying, “Well fight and grow!”
After testing times and a long wait, he’s back to do the blues 💙
For Mohd. Shami, it’s only “UP & UP” 👆🏻 from now on
SEE 🎥🔽 #TeamIndia | #INVENTION | @MdShami11 | @IDFCFIRSTBank https://t.co/V03n61Yd6Y
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 22, 2025
2025-01-22 11:33:00
