OTD – India’s premium pacer Mohammed Shami was born in 1990

On September 3rd, the cricketing world celebrates the birthday of Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers. Born in 1990, Shami has established himself as a vital cog in the Indian cricket team, known for his lethal pace, precise line and length, and ability to swing the ball both ways. As he turns another year older, it’s the perfect occasion to look back at his illustrious career and contributions to Indian cricket.

Shami made his international debut in a One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan in January 2013. From the very beginning, he showcased his potential, delivering an impressive performance with figures of 9-4-23-1. 

His Test debut followed in November 2013 against the West Indies, where he immediately made an impact, taking a remarkable 9 wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. This debut set the tone for what would be a stellar Test career.

One of Shami’s most significant strengths is his ability to bowl with reverse swing, particularly in the latter stages of an innings, making him a formidable opponent in both Test matches and ODIs. Over the years, he has been instrumental in several of India’s victories, both at home and abroad. His role in India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 is particularly noteworthy, where he was part of the lethal pace trio that tormented the Australian batters.

Amazing performance in ODIs

In ODIs, Shami has been a consistent performer, especially in ICC tournaments. During the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, he was one of the leading wicket-takers for India, finishing with 17 wickets in 7 matches. His hat-trick against Afghanistan in the 2019 World Cup further solidified his reputation as a match-winner.

Shami’s journey, however, has not been without challenges. He has faced injuries and personal setbacks, but his resilience and dedication to the sport have always seen him bounce back stronger. His fitness regime and work ethic are often highlighted as exemplary, allowing him to maintain pace and stamina even in the most demanding conditions.

As of 2024, Shami has accumulated over 400 international wickets across formats, making him one of the most successful fast bowlers in Indian cricket history. His contributions have not only been with the ball but also as a lower-order batter, where he has played crucial knocks to aid the team.

On his birthday, fans and teammates alike celebrate not just the cricketer, but the spirit and determination that Shami embodies. As he continues to don the Indian jersey, there’s little doubt that he will keep adding to his legacy, inspiring the next generation of fast bowlers. Here’s to Mohammed Shami – a true warrior of Indian cricket.

Read More: Mohammad Shami’s 3 best performances in ODI World Cup history