"Kaash mai waha hota": Mohammed Shami's coach reveals pacer's reaction to India's BGT struggles

Mohammed Shami’s coach, Badruddin, revealed that the Indian pacer’s heart was heavy with frustration and helplessness while watching the national team facing embarrassing defeats against New Zealand and Australia in the recent Test series.

As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, the Indian pacer is ready to lead the charge with the ball. He is making a comeback with the five-match T20I series against England.

Mohammed Shami's coach reveals emotional struggles and intense work behind the Indian pacer's return

Ahead of the first T20I against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (January 22), Mohammed Shami’s coach Badruddin has confirmed that the pacer is now fully fit and raring to go. Speaking about his recovery, Badruddin revealed that Shami worked incredibly hard, both mentally and physically, to be back on the field after 14 months.

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He said that the seasoned pacer trained rigorously, running barefoot in the mud and doing push-ups, which helped him a lot. The coach also revealed the pain of missing out on a chance to help India was visible as Mohammed Shami sometimes could not hold back his tears, but now he is back, stronger and hungrier than ever.

The coach said that he saw hunger in Shami when India was struggling in Australia, and he would often say, ‘Kaash mai waha hota, mai kuch kar pata India ke liye’ (I wish I were there; I could have done something for India) during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, he was always there to support and encourage him.

Mohammed Shami is 100 percent fit for international cricket: Badruddin

Badruddin was quoted as saying by Tims of India: “He is 100 percent fit and ready for his international comeback. Shami has waited patiently for this moment, and you’ll see the same Shami on the field. During this tough phase, he worked incredibly hard, both mentally and physically. He would run barefoot in the mud and do push-ups there, which played a key role in his recovery."

Meanwhile, the coach explained that walking barefoot in the mud helped Mohammed Shami not only with his physical recovery but also kept him grounded and focused. He revealed that Shami wanted to return for the New Zealand series and then for the Australia tour, but he advised the fast bowler to remain patient and stay focused on his recovery.

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During this period, the pacer played in domestic tournaments, including SMAT, VHT, and Ranji Trophy to attain full fitness. Now, he is all set to play in the white-ball series against England and then the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

You’ll see a new version of him: Shami's coach

Badruddin further noted, “Walking barefoot on the mud not only aided his physical recovery but also kept him grounded and focused. He was determined to make a comeback and was hungry to return to the Indian team.

"He wanted to play in the New Zealand series and then in Australia, but as his coach, I knew how much work was still needed. I told him to stay calm and concentrate on his recovery. Now, Shami is in a positive frame of mind, and this time, you’ll see a new version of him—stronger and more precise. He will hit the stumps harder, just like he used to.”