From 2023 November to 2025 February-the challenging 15 months will probably be the most memorable for Mohammad Shami. 

His career got a severe jolt following an ankle surgery immediately after the ODI World Cup 2023 final. He was ruled out of the game completely at a time when he was going through the best phase of his cricket journey and that was at 34 years! The consequences of surgery at the age of 34 with a heavily built physique were going to be significant.

But the fast bowler did not give up. He admitted after a stupendous performance in his comeback in the Champions Trophy on Thursday, against Bangladesh that unwavering hunger to play international cricket for India was the driving force behind his comeback. 

He revealed that he had been training for eight hours daily at the NCA, battling persistent knee flare-ups in pursuit of his best form.

“It is God's blessing. What I focus on is bringing loyalty to my game in executing my skills. I spent 14 months away from international cricket, working at the NCA and playing domestic matches. During that period, what mattered most was my hunger.”

"I wanted to return to my World Cup form and find my rhythm again. I used to train for eight hours a day at the NCA during my rehabilitation," Shami added.