Mohammed Shami’s coach, Badruddin, revealed that the Indian pacer’s heart was heavy with frustration and helplessness as he watched the team face embarrassing defeats against New Zealand and Australia in the recent Test series.
As India prepares for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, the Indian pacer is ready to lead the attack with the ball. He returns with a five-match T20I series against England.
Mohammed Shami’s coach reveals the emotional struggles and intense work behind the Indian pacer’s comeback
Ahead of the first T20I against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (January 22), Mohammed Shami’s coach Badruddin confirmed that the pacer is now fully fit and ready to play. Talking about his recovery, Badruddin revealed that Shami has worked incredibly hard, both mentally and physically, to return to the field after 14 months.
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He said that the experienced pacer trained intensively, running barefoot in the mud and doing push-ups, which helped him a lot. The coach also revealed that the pain of missing the opportunity to help India was visible as Mohammed Shami could not hold back his tears at times, but now he is back, stronger and hungrier than ever.
The coach said he saw a hunger in Shami as India struggled in Australia and would often say, ‘Kaash mai waha hota, mai kuch kar pata India ke liye’ (I wish I was there; I could have done something for India) during Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, he was always there to support and encourage him.
Mohammed Shami is 100 percent fit for international cricket: Badruddin
Tims of India quoted Badruddin as saying, “He is 100 per cent fit and ready for his international comeback. Shami has been patiently waiting for this moment, and you will see the same Shami on the field. During this difficult phase, he worked incredibly hard, both mentally and physically. He would run barefoot in the mud and do push-ups there, which played a key role in his recovery.”
Meanwhile, the coach explained that walking barefoot in the mud not only helped Mohammed Shami in his physical recovery but also kept him grounded and focused. He revealed that Shami wanted to return for the New Zealand series and then the Australian tour, but advised the fast bowler to remain patient and focus on his recovery.
During this period, the pacer played in domestic tournaments including SMAT, VHT and Ranji Trophy to attain full fitness. Now he is ready to play in the series against England and then for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
You will see his new version: Shami’s trainer
Badruddin further noted, “Walking barefoot in the mud not only helped his physical recovery but also kept him grounded and focused. He was determined to return and was hungry to return to the Indian team.
“He wanted to play in the New Zealand series and then in Australia, but as his coach, I knew how much work still needed to be done. I told him to stay calm and concentrate on his recovery. Now Shami is in a positive state. um, and this time, you will see a new version of him – more powerful and accurate, he will hit the stumps harder, just like before.”
