Mohammed Shami Reveals He Played 2015 World Cup With Fractured Knee

TPI Staff April 16, 2020

0 421 2 minutes read

Mumbai: India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami revealed that he had played the 2015 World Cup, fractured jointly for Australia and New Zealand.

Shami featured former cricketer Irfan Pathan in an Instagram live session where the two discussed a range of topics.

Talking about his World Cup experience, the 29-year-old speedster said that he used to take three painkillers and injections to ease his knee pain during matches.

“Sometimes there is an important match and you know you have to play it. At the 2015 World Cup, I carried a knee injury. I wasn’t even able to walk. I would take painkillers and injections. The physio Nitin Patel helped me, he gave me the confidence to complete the tournament. My knee needed an operation, they told me if I can endure the pain then I can play the World Cup,” Shami said.

“My knees were broken in the first match of the tournament, my thighs and knees were the same size. The doctors had to take fluids every day, I used to take three painkillers,” he said. The fast bowler said that former captain MS Dhoni has kept his faith in him and inspired him through the difficult phase of his career.

He said, “Before the semi-final match against Australia, I told the team that I could not take any more pain. Mahi Bhai and the management showed confidence in me and they really trusted my abilities. I played the match and gave just 13 runs in my opening spell. I played the match and gave just 13 runs in my opening spell. Then I went off the park and told Mahi bhai that I cannot bowl any longer. But he told me he cannot go to part-time bowlers and asked me to not give away more than 60 runs. I have never been in such a condition like this, some had said my career is over, but I am still here,” he said.

Shami performed brilliantly in the tournament as he was the second-highest wicket-taker for India after Umesh Yadav. In seven matches, he took 17 wickets at an average of 17.29 with the best figures of 4-35, while Umesh Yadav took 18 wickets from eight matches, taking two-four wickets.

India lost in the semi-final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground to eventual champions Australia. Chasing 329, India were shut out at 223 as James Faulkner took three wickets while Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson took two wickets each. Steve Smith’s 105 guide home with a total lead of 328-7 in 50 overs.