Hunger Still Burns: Shami’s Passion for the Game Remains Unshaken by India Snubs
Mohammed Shami looked fit and hungry as I called on him to come and join the chat show with Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh and Jhulan Goswami. In the city to play for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – another game that runs the risk of a washout with the weather in the city – Shami will have favourable conditions at Eden Gardens as he runs in to bowl. Fresh from his efforts against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the out-of-favour India star seems to have made peace with himself.
When I asked him what keeps him going, and how it is that he has played every single match in domestic cricket and is now turning up in the IPL with such passion, his answer was deep and philosophical. “I haven’t forgotten my roots,” he said to a round of applause. “I come from a village, made my mark, and the only thing I knew was to work hard. I continue to do so, and I have to tell you – bhookh abhi bhi hai (the hunger is still there). I will continue to play Ranji Trophy for as long as I can.”
When I asked him to elaborate, he was even more insightful. “I have always prioritised domestic cricket and will continue to do so,” said Shami. “It is not about what level you are playing; rather, it is about whether you want to play or not. Like I said, I still have the hunger and I love playing the game that has given me everything in life.”
Shami found strong support from Sourav Ganguly, President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
“I was about to tell Shami to lose a bit of fat,” Sourav said, gesturing towards his midriff, “but he has no fat left!” he added, to laughter. He then went on to say, “Shami has been bowling beautifully and has done superbly well for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. I want to see Shami bowl alongside Bumrah for India, and nowhere else. I think he still has a couple of seasons left in him and can do well for India in Test cricket.
“The way he bowled against SRH – against the likes of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head – figures of four overs for nine runs and two wickets, with 18 dot balls, was a very special effort. He still has it in him, and I’d like to see him play Test cricket for India.”
While it is impossible to predict what Shami will do for LSG against KKR on the April 9, one thing is certain: at Eden Gardens, a ground he knows better than almost anyone in the KKR ranks, Shami will not be an easy threat to handle. He has already built some nice rhythm, and we could well see him test Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen at Indian cricket’s most storied venue.
As we ended the show and I wished him luck, he said with a smile, “Dua karte rehna (keep me in your prayers). I still have a lot of hunger left and will keep giving my best.”
Here was a true devotee who deserves good things to come his way.
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