Champions Trophy 2025: 'Will I be able to do it again?' - Mohammed Shami Opens up on Injury Comeback Struggles

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India pacer Mohammed Shami opened up on his injury comeback journey ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, saying there were times when he thought his international career was over and he would never get another opportunity to represent the country.

Shami had one of the tournament's to remember, but injured his ankle during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023 and was sidelined for almost a year as he battled with self-doubt and a strict rehabilitation process.

The 34-year-old did make a successful return when featuring in four white-ball fixtures for India against England last month, and is now set to continue to his return journey to the Indian team in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh in Dubai International Stadium on Thursday (February 20).

It's been a long road back to the big stage for Shami, and the talented right-armer said there were times when he thought he may never make it back at all as he revealed the first question he asked the doctor post operation.

"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. 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," Shami told the ICC.

"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."

Shami then credited his family for the role they played during his rehabilitation and said the BCCI had been very supportive of him throughout the process. The 34-year-old player further added that his desire to once again represent India on the big stage, drove him during the tough times and gave him the strength to push through the pain barrier.

"After 60 days when they asked me to put my feet on the ground, you won't believe me, but I have ever been more scared to put my foot on the ground. It felt like I was starting over, like a toddler learning how to walk, and I was worried about any complications," Shami added.

"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."

Before the start of the mega event, Shami made a successful return. The speedster, who is set to be the leader of the pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, said that he wanted to prolong his career and continue to represent India for as long as his body allows.

"My motivation has always been to serve my country for as long as possible. Once you step away you're just like anyone else. Today, by the grace of god I am playing for India again and feeling much better," Shami concluded.