With Jasprit Bumrah out due to injury, Mohammed Shami will lead India's pace attack during the ICC Champions Trophy. Shami made a return to team India during the recently concluded white-ball series against England after a long layoff due to an injury he picked up in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The India pacer revealed that he doubled he would ever play for the country again after the injury kept him away from cricket for more than a year.

"From being in great form during the World Cup to suddenly finding myself on the operating table from that form to being injured was really tough," Shami told the ICC.

"My first question to the doctor was 'how many days until I can be back on the field'. He said my priority is to get you to walk, then jog and then run and thinking about playing competitive cricket is still a distant goal.

"I always wondered when I would be able to put my feet on the ground again someone who is used to running on the field constantly was now in crutches.

"A lot of thoughts used to run through my mind. Will I be able to do it again? Will I be able to walk without a limp?

"For the first two months I often doubted whether I would be able to play again as an injury like this followed by a 14-month break can pull you down."

'Desire To Play For India Kept Me Going' - Shami

The pacer added that it was the desire to play for the country that kept him going. Shami underwent strict rehabilitation and played a lot of domestic matches, including Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy before making a comeback to team India.

"After 60 days when they asked me to put my feet on the ground, you wont believe me, but I have ever been more scared to put my foot on the ground," Shami said.

"It felt like I was starting over, like a toddler learning how to walk and I was worried about any complications.

"Courage and passion to play for the country are the biggest motivators and the desire to wear the India badge on my chest kept me going.

"You endure the pain and take it one step at a time without complaints or bitterness.

"The passion for representing my country has brought me this far.

"It was tough and there was pain, but with resilience and patience I made it through."

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