Bharat Arun, the former bowling coach of India, shared a powerful story about pacer Mohammed Shami’s tough journey in 2018. After failing a fitness test and dealing with personal issues, Shami considered quitting cricket altogether. However, Arun and Ravi Shastri played a crucial role in motivating him to keep going.
Arun recounted a difficult moment when Shami, feeling dejected, visited him and expressed his thoughts about leaving the game. “I will quit cricket,” he had said. It was a low point fueled by both professional struggles and personal challenges.
During a podcast with the Times of India, Arun described how they sent Shami to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to focus on his fitness without bowling. “After three weeks, he called me and said, ‘I am running like a horse’,” Arun remembered. This experience highlighted not only Shami’s resilience but also the importance of mentorship in sports.
Currently, Shami is working hard to reclaim his spot on the national team. Though he recently missed the Asia Cup, he has his eyes set on the Duleep Trophy and the upcoming home series against the West Indies in October. His last international appearance was during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he was one of the team’s standout bowlers.
Experts note that athletes face significant pressure, and mental wellness is vital for success. Shami’s story reflects this reality. According to a recent survey conducted by the International Journal of Sports Science, nearly 80% of professional athletes have experienced mental health challenges at some point in their careers.
As Shami aims for a comeback, his journey serves as a reminder of the ups and downs in sports and the importance of support systems. Fans and fellow players alike are eager to see how he performs in the Duleep Trophy and beyond, hoping for a strong return to the national team.
In a world where the spotlight is intense, Shami’s experience resonates deeply—showing that determination, guidance, and resilience can lead to remarkable comebacks.
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Mohammed Shami, Bharat Arun
