Watch: Mohammed Shami's Farmhouse Under Tight Security As Hundreds Gather For Photo With Indian Cricket Team Star

11.12.2023 - 08:00 sports.ndtv.com

Mohammed Shami's performance at the Cricket World Cup 2023 was a major reason behind the Indian cricket team's smooth sailing till the final.

The fast bowler missed the first few matches in the Cricket World Cup but that did not stop him from finishing as the top wicket-taker at the Cricket World Cup.

Mohammed Shami, who finished on top of the bowling charts with 24 wickets from seven matches in the ODI World Cup, has been India's go-to bowler in ODIs and Tests.

His popularity has surged after the Cricket World Cup. Mohammed Shami had humble beginnings growing up in Uttar Pradesh. He then played national-level cricket for Bengal before making it to the Indian cricket team.

cricket India Cricket Team World Cup 2023 as watch Mohammed Shami India

Team India's had a mixed bag of results in Test cricket in 2023. The Rohit Sharma-led side played the final game of the year in the longest format of the game against South Africa, losing by an innings and 32 runs. India won Test series against Australia and West Indies, but lost the World Test Championship (WTC) final to the Pat Cummins-led side. In terms of individual performances, star batter Virat Kohli was the team's top-scorer with 671 runs in 12 innings at an average of 55.91. Following his knock of 76 in the second innings of the first Test against South Africa, Kohli ended the year with two centuries and as many half-centuries to his name.

Mohammed Shami "Took Injections" During World Cup: Report Reveals India Star Pacer's 'Chronic Issue'

Mohammed Shami's absence was heavily felt during India vs South Africa first Test. The Indian cricket team pacers leaked runs as South Africa batter piled on runs. Jasprit Bumrah did not have proper support as the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur failed to live up to the expectations. Mohammed Shami, Cricket World Cup 2023's highest wicket-taker, could have been handy in such a situation. However, he is nursing an injury and missed the series.

"Indian Team Really Misses Him": Dinesh Karthik On "Lieutenant To Jasprit Bumrah" Post 1st Test Loss

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik feels India pacer Mohammed Shami's injury has proved to be a huge setback for the team in the ongoing first Test against South Africa in Centurion. Dean Elgar led South Africa's charge after India were bowled out for 245 in the first innings. Elgar scored 185 as the Indian pacers struggled to pick wickets at regular intervals, allowing South Africa to take a sizeable lead in the first innings. Shami was ruled out of the two-match series due to an ankle injury.

Avesh Khan Added To India Squad For 2nd Test Against South Africa

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the decision to add pacer Avesh Khan to India's squad for the second Test against South Africa as a replacement for Mohammed Shami who remains unavailable due to an injury. Shami was picked for the tour of South Africa but couldn't prove his fitness in time for the start of the series. Shami missed the first Test in Centurion as the BCCI waited for him to regain full fitness. But, he was ruled out of the second Test too, prompting the board to name Avesh as his replacement.

"Where We Went Wrong...": Mohammed Shami Opens Up On India's World Cup Final Loss

India speedster Mohammed Shami opened up on the Men in Blue's six-wicket loss against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final match and said that the nation was disappointed after the defeat. While speaking to the press, Shami said that the hosts gave their best to continue the momentum throughout the tournament and win the final match.

"Not Sure How...": Rohit Sharma On KL Rahul 'New Role' In Test Cricket

India captain Rohit Sharma on Monday said, as a leader, he wants his team to "achieve" what others Indian sides in the past have failed to do in South Africa. Since their first Test series in South Africa in 1992, India have never achieved success there. India will play South Africa in the the first of the two Tests starting here on Tuesday. "Want to achieve what nobody has achieved in this part of the world," Rohit said during the pre-match press conference. Rohit also did not want to speak about his cricketing future, just saying that he wants to enjoy the game.