Follow UsMohammed Shami became India’s most successful bowler in ICC events when he picked a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the team’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on February 20 (Wednesday).
But how come Shami always aces the ICC events? He now has 60 wickets in just 19 innings and pipped Zaheer Khan to the top, who took 59 wickets in 32 ICC Event ODI games. The answer to that, according to Shami, lies in his loyalty towards his skills.
“I just try to complete my skills with the utmost loyalty. Like I have completed my 14 months (away from the game). How loyal are you to that skill? How hungry you are to achieve your goal, the form that you have left and come in, how you will achieve it again. How you will get that rhythm again. I always try to do this,” Shami told reporters in the post-match press conference after India’s six-wicket win against Bangladesh.
“Even if it takes me a little longer, I used to spend eight hours at the NCA (National Cricket Academy). Are you increasing your days by 30%, 40%, 10%, with loyalty? Are your areas good? Is your rhythm good? Do you have any discomfort? I pay attention to those things. I don't pay attention to the result,” added the man who also became the fastest to reach 200 ODI wickets in cricket’s history.
Shami also said that there is no need to change the mindset for the Pakistan game, which is India’s next assignment in the tournament on February 23 (Sunday). The pacer was also quick to allay any thoughts regarding a poor showing against the same opponents four years ago during the 2021 T20 World Cup.
“After winning, there is no point in having a mindset. You should stay in the same frame when you win a match and when you perform well,” he said, before adding, “People will definitely keep bringing up the bad performances and remind you again and again. But I think that as a cricketer, as a sportsman, you don't need to go back. You need to live in the present and have a plan for the future.”