IND vs SA: Mohammed Shami All Set To Receive Arjuna Award

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is all set to achieve one of the biggest honors in the country. The right-arm fast bowler will be receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award for his sensational performance in 2023, in particular, ICC World Cup 2023, where he was the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets to his name. He helped India reach the final of the tournament with his heroics.

Mohammed Shami will be the only cricketer on the list who will be receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2023. A total of 26 athletes will be getting the award. Arjuna Award notably is given to those who have excelled in the sports and games throughout the year.

⚡ ???????? ???? ⚡
Shami writes his own script: to receive the Arjuna Award on January 09th, 2024?#AavaDe pic.twitter.com/km4AuWlETc

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) December 20, 2023

Mohammed Shami was nothing short of exceptional in 2023. He had a great impact on India in the World Cup. What was even impressive was that he didn’t even play the first few games and once he was in he set the stage on fire. Although he didn’t have a fairytale ending but he was one of the main reasons behind team’s dominance in the tournament.

During the year 2023, Mohammed Shami played 19 games and picked as many as 43 wickets. Apart from that he was staggering in Test cricket as well, helping the team become No.1 in both the 50-over format and the longest format of the game.

Mohammed Shami will be the 13 cricketer from the country to receive the Arjuna Award since 2013. He will be joining the likes of Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Harmanpreet Kaur, Cheteshwar Pujara, Smriti Mandhana, Ravindra Jadeja, Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.

Here’s the list of Indian players to win Arjuna Award since 2013
2013 – V Kohli
2014 – R Ashwin
2015 – R Sharma
2016 – A Rahane
2017 – H Kaur and C Pujara
2018 – S Mandhana
2019 – R Jadeja and P Yadav
2020 – D Sharma & I Sharma
2021 – S Dhawan
2023 – Mohammed Shami

It is fair to say that Mohammed Shami rightfully deserved the award because he has been an incredible servant of the Indian cricket team. Over the years there hardly have been any bowlers who have done better than him. His invaluable contribution has made the Indian cricket team a great force in world cricket.

Mohammed Shami ruled out of the Test series against South Africa

Mohammed Shami will be missing the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. The fast bowler faced discomfort in his ankle after the World Cup 2023. He underwent treatment but was deemed unfit to take part in the series.

India will be taking on South Africa in the two-match Test series, starting 26th December. They haven’t won a series in the Rainbow Nation and without Mohammed Shami, it will be a tough task for them no doubt. But they have quality players in the bank and if they play to their potential they can surely win.

Mohammed Shami is now likely to be seen in action during the Test series against England at home. He will be vital for the team during the series and his presence surely would make India favourites to win.