Cricket News

Indian cricketer played ODI World Cup with injury, took injections to manage pain, reveals former Ranji teammate

The journey of the Indian team in the ODI World Cup 2023 was one to remember before they fell short in the finals against Australia. The 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup witnessed a cricketing spectacle, and among its standout performers was Mohammed Shami. Despite missing the initial matches, Shami emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, leaving everyone in awe of his mesmerizing bowling.

However, revelations post-tournament suggest that Shami battled a chronic left heel issue throughout the World Cup. An unnamed former Bengal teammate disclosed that Shami regularly took injections to manage the pain from his heel injury, displaying his dedication to winning glory for his country.

An unnamed teammate from Bengal was quoted by PTI saying, “Shami has a chronic left heel issue. A lot of people don’t know that he took injections regularly during the World Cup and played the entire tournament through pain.” 

“But you must understand that as you grow older, recovery from each niggle or big injury takes that more time,” he further added. 

Hardik’s Injury paved the way for Shami

Shardul Thakur was part of the Indian playing XI in the initial stages of the tournament to provide cushion to the Indian batting and allow the batter to play freely. But an unprecedented injury to Hardik amid the tournament prompted the management to bring in Shami in place of Shardul to strengthen the bowling and the rest is history. 

Shami took 24 wickets in just seven matches at an astonishing average of 10.70 and became the highest wicket-taker of the tournament surpassing Adam Zampa.

Since the World Cup final,  Mohammed Shami has been absent from competitive cricket due to an ankle issue, further highlighting the toll the tournament took on his body. India’s recent Test defeat to South Africa underscored the impact of Shami’s absence on the team’s bowling unit. 

With Shami ruled out of the ongoing South Africa tour, India has drafted in Avesh Khan as his replacement for the second Test in Cape Town. The void left by Shami’s absence poses a challenge for the Indian bowling lineup.