2015 World Cup: Mohammed Shami Reveals He Played With A Fractured Knee

One of India’s most improved pacers in the last couple of years, Mohammed Shami has revealed that he played in the 2015 World Cup with a fractured knee. He said that he got injured in the first match of the tournament itself. India were eliminated by hosts Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

Shami was the second-highest wicket-taker for India behind Umesh Yadav and the fourth-highest overall in the tournament. Shami bagged 17 wickets out from seven matches at an average of 17.29 with best figures of four for 35 and was only behind Umesh Yadav, who played a game more than him and picked 18 wickets at 17.83 with two four-wicket hauls.

Talking about his performances in the World Cup, Shami revealed that doctors used to take out fluid from his knees every day before he went out on the field.

Mohammed Shami Played With A Fractured Knee In 2015 WC

“I had knee injury during the 2015 World Cup. I couldn’t walk after the matches I played throughout the tournament with the injury. I played the 2015 WC because of Nitin Patel’s confidence,” Shami said.

“The knee broke in the first match itself. My thighs and knees were the same size, doctors used to take out fluid from them everyday. I used to take 3 painkillers,” Shami told Irfan Pathan during a candid chat on Instagram live.

MS Dhoni And The Team Management Boosted My Confidence: Mohammed Shami

Shami also credited former captain, MS Dhoni for motivating him to carry on playing despite the pain throughout the tournament and especially in the semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Before the semi-final I had told my teammates that I couldn’t take it any longer. On the day of the match, I had a lot of pain. I discussed it with the management but they said it will be alright,” he revealed.

“Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), the team management gave me so much confidence. They said it’s the semifinal we cannot go for a new bowler. I bowled the first 5 overs and gave away about 13 runs with a wicket. I beat Finch and Warner’s bats but couldn’t get the edge. So I went off after telling Mahi bhai,” Shami said.

“The condition was very bad even after I took an injection. I told Mahi bhai that I cannot bowl because I cannot run any longer. But he told me I trust you, any other part-timer will also go for runs. He just told me don’t give away more than 60 runs,” he added.

“I haven’t played in a worse condition than that. 4mm piece had chipped off the bone. Some said my career was over, some said I shouldn’t have played. But touchwood I’m still here now in front of you all,” Shami said.

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