Exclusive Interview with Mohammed Shami: Fast Bowling, Challenges, and Future Goals

Exclusive Interview with Mohammed Shami

Interviewer: Mohammed, thank you for joining us today! You’ve been one of India’s premier fast bowlers for nearly a decade now. When you look back at your journey, how does it feel to have represented your country for so long?

Mohammed Shami: Thank you for having me. It feels surreal, to be honest. When I first started playing cricket, I could never have imagined reaching this stage. Representing India, wearing the national jersey, and playing at the highest level is a dream come true. I’ve faced many challenges along the way, but each moment has been special, and I’ve always given my best for my country.

Interviewer: You’ve made an incredible impact with your pace, accuracy, and swing. What would you say is the most important factor in being successful as a fast bowler, especially in international cricket?

Mohammed Shami: I believe it’s a combination of discipline, fitness, and mental strength. As a fast bowler, your body goes through a lot, and you need to stay fit, especially when you’re playing across formats. You also need to have a strong mental game. Cricket is a sport of patience, and it’s important to maintain focus, whether you’re bowling with the new ball or in the death overs. I’ve always worked on my swing, accuracy, and maintaining a good rhythm, which I think has helped me succeed over time.

Interviewer: You’ve been known for your ability to reverse swing the ball, even in the later stages of the innings. How did you develop this skill, and how important is reverse swing for a bowler?

Mohammed Shami: Reverse swing is something I’ve always focused on, especially in the latter stages of the innings. I spent a lot of time practicing it, starting from my early days in domestic cricket. It’s all about understanding the conditions, the ball, and your own rhythm. I’ve learned that the key is in how the ball is gripped and how you deliver it. Reverse swing can be a game-changer, especially in the subcontinent, where wickets may not always offer much bounce. Being able to reverse the ball late can trouble even the best of batsmen.

Interviewer: You’ve played in various conditions, from the searing heat of the UAE to the seaming wickets of England. Which conditions do you enjoy playing in the most, and why?

Mohammed Shami: Every condition has its own challenges, but I particularly enjoy bowling in conditions that offer a bit of seam movement, like in England or New Zealand. I love when the ball swings in the air or seams off the surface. It gives fast bowlers a chance to outsmart the batsmen, and I’ve always felt comfortable in those conditions. That said, playing in India also brings its own excitement because you have to adjust your strategy based on the pitch, which might not always offer as much for fast bowlers.

Interviewer: You’ve had some memorable moments, especially in the 2019 World Cup, where you were one of the standout bowlers for India. How was the experience of playing in a World Cup and contributing so significantly?

Mohammed Shami: The 2019 World Cup was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my career. The pressure of playing in a tournament like the World Cup is immense, but it’s also the ultimate stage for a cricketer. I was happy with my performance, especially in the match against Afghanistan, where I took a hat-trick. It was a special moment not just for me but for my entire team. The satisfaction of contributing to India’s cause in such a big tournament is something I will always cherish.

Interviewer: You’ve had to overcome several personal and professional challenges in your career. How do you maintain your focus and stay motivated during tough times?

Mohammed Shami: Cricket is a game of ups and downs, and like any other profession, you go through phases where you face setbacks. Whether it’s injuries, loss of form, or other personal challenges, I’ve always believed in staying focused on the bigger picture. I draw strength from my family and my love for the game. The key is not to get discouraged by bad phases. Instead, I work harder, keep a positive mindset, and trust my preparation. I’ve learned that persistence and resilience are crucial in cricket.

Interviewer: Speaking of injuries, you’ve had a few injury setbacks during your career. How do you handle the physical toll that fast bowling takes on your body, and how do you bounce back after injuries?

Mohammed Shami: Injuries are part and parcel of being a fast bowler. I’ve had a few, but I’ve learned to handle them better over time. The most important thing is to listen to your body and get the right treatment. I’m fortunate to have a great support staff, including physiotherapists, trainers, and the medical team, who have helped me recover and stay fit. During recovery, I focus on strengthening the areas that are vulnerable, so I can come back stronger. It’s all about managing the workload and maintaining a balance between work and recovery. When you return from an injury, it’s important to build your fitness step by step and regain confidence.

Interviewer: In the past few years, there has been a lot of attention on India's young fast-bowling talent. What advice would you give to aspiring fast bowlers who look up to you?

Mohammed Shami: I would say, focus on the basics and work hard on your fitness. Being a fast bowler requires a lot of physical and mental strength. You need to have a strong foundation, which means working on your pace, rhythm, and swing. But the most important thing is to enjoy the process — the training, the practice, and the competition. Don’t get disheartened by early failures; the journey is long. Stay patient, trust your abilities, and believe in your hard work. The most successful bowlers are those who are consistent, both in skill and in mental resilience.

Interviewer: You’ve been a key player for both the Indian team and in the Indian Premier League (IPL). How does the pressure of international cricket compare with playing in the IPL, where the stakes are also very high?

Mohammed Shami: Both formats are very different, but both come with their own pressures. International cricket is more about long-term consistency, while the IPL is more intense because it’s a shorter format with high expectations in every match. In the IPL, the pressure of delivering in every match is immense, and you have to think on your feet — especially in death overs. However, playing for India is always an honor, and it comes with its own sense of responsibility. But I enjoy both formats, as they provide different challenges, and I get to learn from both.

Interviewer: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next few years? Do you have any personal milestones that you aim to achieve in your career?

Mohammed Shami: My goal is always to keep improving and stay fit. I want to continue contributing to my team’s success, whether it’s in Test cricket, ODIs, or T20s. Personally, I would love to reach milestones like 400 wickets in ODIs and continue to make my mark in Test cricket. But more than numbers, I want to help India win tournaments, especially the World Cup. That’s the ultimate goal for me — to win titles for my country.

Interviewer: Finally, Shami, what is one thing you would like your fans to know about you that they might not already know?

Mohammed Shami: I’m just a normal person who loves playing cricket. People see the bowler on the field, but there’s a lot of hard work, discipline, and dedication that goes into it. Off the field, I’m a family man, and I enjoy spending time with my loved ones. My family has been my biggest support throughout my journey. And as much as I love playing for India, I also love the game itself. Every time I step on the field, I just want to enjoy the moment and do my best.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for your time, Shami. It’s been an absolute pleasure talking to you. We wish you continued success in your career!

Mohammed Shami: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. I appreciate the support from my fans, and I will continue to give my best for India.

This interview gives an in-depth look into Mohammed Shami's career, mindset, and experiences as a cricketer, along with insights into his personal life and approach to the game.