Mohammed Shami’s coach Badruddin revealed that the Indian pacer’s heart was heavy with frustration and helplessness as he watched the national team face embarrassing defeats against New Zealand and Australia in the recent Test series.
As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, the Indian pacer is ready to lead the charge with the ball. He returns with the five-match T20I series against England.
Mohammed Shami’s coach reveals emotional struggles and hard work behind Indian pacer’s comeback
Ahead of the first T20I against England at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Wednesday (January 22), Mohammed Shami’s coach Badruddin has confirmed that the pacer is now fully fit and raring to play. Talking about his recovery, Badruddin revealed that Shami worked incredibly hard, both mentally and physically, to get back on the field after 14 months.
He said the experienced pacer trained rigorously, running barefoot in the mud and doing push-ups, which helped him a lot. The coach also revealed that the pain of losing the opportunity to help India was visible when 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 hunger in Shami when India was struggling in Australia, and he often said, ‘Kaash mai waha hota, mai kuch kar pata India ke liye’ (I wish I was there; I could have done something for India). . ) during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, he was always there to support and encourage him.
Mohammed Shami 100 per cent fit for international cricket: Badruddin
Badruddin was quoted by Tims of India: “He is 100 per cent fit and ready for his international comeback. Shami has patiently waited for this moment and you will see Shami himself on the field. During this tough period, 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 helped Mohammed Shami not only with his physical recovery but also kept him steady and focused. He revealed that Shami wanted to return for the New Zealand series and then the tour of Australia, but advised the fast bowler to be patient and focus on his recovery.
During this period, the pacer played in domestic tournaments including SMAT, VHT and Ranji Trophy to reach full fitness. Now, he is all set to play the white-ball series against England and then the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
You will see a new version of him: Shami’s trainer
Badruddin further noted, “Walking barefoot in the mud not only helped his physical recovery but also kept him focused 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 focus on his recovery. Now, Shami is in a state of mind. positive mind, and this time you will see a new version of him: stronger and more accurate. He will hit the stumps harder, like he used to.”
