Mohammed Shami Player Profile

Mohammed Shami is one of India’s most prominent fast bowlers, known for his pace, accuracy, and exceptional ability to move the ball. He played a key role in India’s successful 2015 World Cup campaign, where the team reached the semi-finals, claiming 77 out of 80 available wickets. Despite playing through a knee injury during the tournament and the preceding Test series against Australia, Shami delivered outstanding performances. His skill in moving the ball – both old and new – has been a major factor in his success on the international stage.

Shami’s career hasn’t been without its setbacks. In 2016, a hamstring injury ruled him out of the limited-overs tour of Australia and the Asia Cup. He was selected for the 2016 World T20 squad but couldn’t break into the playing XI due to a year-long hiatus from international cricket. However, Shami has always shown resilience, making successful comebacks after injuries.

Shami’s Early Career and Rise to International Cricket

Born in Uttar Pradesh, Shami plays first-class cricket for Bengal. He had only 15 first-class and 15 List A games under his belt when he was drafted into the Indian ODI team to play against Pakistan in January 2013. Shami impressed on his debut, taking 1 wicket for just 23 runs in 9 overs, including four maiden overs, in a tight 10-run win. He became the first Indian to bowl four maiden overs on debut in an ODI.

Shami’s Test debut came later in 2013, against the West Indies, where he made an even bigger impact. He reverse-swung the old ball effectively and took 11 wickets in the two-match series, averaging just 16.54. In 2014, Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar combined to record the second-highest 10th wicket partnership for India in Tests, contributing 111 runs in a memorable match against England in Nottingham.

Shami’s Success in Domestic Cricket

Shami’s rise to the Indian team was due to his impressive performances in the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy. He claimed 28 wickets in just five matches at an average of 21.35, including two 10-wicket hauls. His success continued in the Twenty20 format, where he took 14 wickets in his first eight domestic T20 games. This earned him an IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011, making his debut in 2013. He moved to Delhi Daredevils in 2014, where he played for several seasons.

Mohammed Shami IPL Factfile

• Shami made his IPL debut for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2013.
• He later played for Delhi Daredevils/Capitals, where he struggled to replicate his international success.
• His performance peaked when he joined Punjab Kings, where he took 58 wickets in 42 games between 2019 and 2021, though the team never made the playoffs.
• Shami’s success came together with Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022 and 2023, taking 48 wickets in 33 games, helping the team win the title and finish as runners-up.
• After an ankle surgery ruled him out of IPL 2024, Shami was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 10 crores for IPL 2025.

Mohammed Shami is an influential figure in Indian cricket, known for his versatility with the ball. His contributions to India’s bowling attack, both in ODIs and Tests, make him a key asset to the team. As he continues to evolve as a bowler, his performances in domestic and international cricket remain critical to India’s success on the global stage.