Shami, who endured significant hardships before becoming an Indian cricketer, has shown remarkable resilience. Having battled thoughts of suicide thrice amid troubles stemming from his wife, Shami’s resurgence has stunned the world’s best batsmen.
In the recent match against New Zealand, his exceptional performance, claiming seven wickets, steered India into the finals.
India’s success in this crucial game might have been improbable without Shami. With Hardik Pandya sidelined due to injury, Shami seized the opportunity, proving to be an invaluable asset. His talent might have gone unnoticed had fate not intervened.
At 17, Shami tried out for the under-19 team but faced rejection. However, a pivotal phone call to his coach Badruddin in Kolkata opened the doors to Shami’s cricketing journey.
He has etched his name as the first Indian bowler to capture 50 World Cup wickets and holds the record for the most frequent 5-wicket hauls in the tournament.
Enduring family feuds and disputes, Shami candidly revealed three suicide attempts, largely resulting from troubles with his wife, Hasin Jahan.
Ongoing court cases and disputes have weighed heavily on him. Notably, Kolkata’s Alipore District Court instructed Shami to pay Rs 50,000 monthly as interim maintenance to his wife.
During the New Zealand match, Indian bowlers faced initial struggles. Shami made an impact by claiming two wickets early on, while Rohit Sharma dominated the spinners.
Despite the escalating score, wickets weren’t falling until Rohit brought Shami back into the attack. Shami dismantled the set batsman and his successor swiftly.
With New Zealand four wickets down, other bowlers faltered while Shami continued to excel. His crucial interventions ultimately clinched India’s victory by securing seven wickets.
At a pivotal juncture when victory seemed elusive for India, Shami’s exceptional performance altered the course of the match. Without his contributions, New Zealand might have emerged victorious, potentially denying India a place in the final.
