Mohammed Shami, born on September 3, 1990, in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, is a prominent Indian cricketer known for his exceptional skills as a right-arm fast bowler.
He has made significant contributions to Indian cricket across all formats and is celebrated for his ability to take wickets consistently.
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Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Shami made his first-class debut for Bengal in 2010 and quickly caught the selectors’ attention due to his impressive performances. He debuted in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Pakistan in January 2013. He made his Test debut later that year against the West Indies, where he achieved remarkable figures of 9 wickets for 118 runs, the best by an Indian fast bowler on debut.
Major Achievements
World Cup Performances
Shami has excelled in ICC Cricket World Cups, particularly in 2015 and 2023. He was a key player in the 2015 World Cup, taking 17 wickets at an average of 17.29, helping India reach the semi-finals.
His standout performance included 4 wickets for 35 runs against Pakistan in the opening match. In the 2023 World Cup, he topped the wicket-takers list with 24 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.70, despite missing the first three matches.
Records and Milestones
- Fastest Indian to take 100 ODI wickets, achieving this in just 56 matches.
- Second Indian to take a hat-trick in a World Cup match, accomplishing this against Afghanistan in 2019.
- Became the leading wicket-taker in the history of the Cricket World Cup for India, surpassing Zaheer Khan’s record.
Awards and Recognition
Shami’s performances have earned him several accolades, including being named in the ICC’s World ODI XI multiple times and receiving the 2023 Arjuna Award for Cricket, recognizing his contributions to the sport.
Memorable Spells and Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy Rate |
| Tests | 64 | 229 | 6/56 | 27.71 | 3.30 |
| ODIs | 101 | 195 | 7/57 | 23.68 | 5.55 |
| T20Is | 23 | 24 | 3/15 | 29.62 | 8.94 |
Shami’s bowling style is characterized by his seam movement and ability to reverse swing the ball, which gives hitters a serious challenge.
Shami’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in crucial matches, has solidified his status as one of India’s best bowlers in recent cricket history. His rise from a local player to a global celebrity is evidence of his perseverance and commitment to the sport.
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