Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami, a name synonymous with pace, precision, and perseverance, has risen through the ranks to become a cornerstone of the Indian cricket team’s bowling attack.

From his humble beginnings in the bylanes of Sahaspur to the grandeur of international stadiums, Shami’s journey is a blend of talent, hard work, and an indomitable spirit.

This article will going down into the life and career of Mohammed Shami, highlighting his achievements, records, and the challenges he has faced both on and off the field.

Mohammed Shami: The Spearhead of Indian Pace Attack

Mohammed Shami, with his impeccable line and length, has established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers in the Indian cricket team.

His journey from the domestic league to the international arena is a testament to his skill, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Early Career

Shami’s cricketing journey began under the guidance of his father and took a significant turn when he met cricket coach Badruddin Siddique in Moradabad.

Despite facing initial setbacks, like not being selected for the Uttar Pradesh under-19 side, Shami’s determination never wavered.

His move to Kolkata, where he played for clubs like Dalhousie Athletic Club and Town Club, paved the way for his selection in the Bengal under-22 team.

His talent was soon recognized by Bengal selector Sambaran Banerjee, and subsequently, Shami made his way into the Bengal squad for the 2010–11 Ranji Trophy.

Domestic Career

Mohammed Shami’s initiation into professional cricket began with his debut for Bengal in the 2010-11 season.

His performances for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy caught the attention of the selectors, and he was soon drafted into the India A squad.

Shami’s consistent performances in domestic cricket, including a notable spell where he picked up 28 wickets in five matches for Bengal, paved the way for his entry into the national side.

International Career

Shami’s Test career has been marked by several notable performances. In the 2014 tour of England, he took 5 wickets in 3 matches and was involved in a 111-run partnership for the 10th wicket with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

This partnership saw Mohammed Shami score his maiden half-century, helping India post a competitive total.

During the 2014-15 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Mohammed Shami took 15 wickets in three Tests and became the 20th Indian fast bowler to reach the milestone of 100 Test wickets.

In the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship, Shami was a key figure for India. He took 9 wickets in the series against the West Indies and 13 and 5 wickets against South Africa and New Zealand, respectively.

Mohammed Shami was also a part of the first international pink ball Test match organized in India, where he picked up two wickets.

His performances in the Test Championship saw him reach the seventh position in the ICC Men’s Player Rankings.

During the 2021 India-England series, Mohammed Shami showcased his batting prowess by scoring an unbeaten 56, helping India secure a historic win against England.

He finished the series as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets. In the India-South Africa 2021-22 Test series, Shami achieved a significant milestone by taking his 200th Test wicket, becoming the fifth Indian pacer to do so.

Meanwhile, Shami’s ODI debut came in 2013 against Pakistan, where he returned figures of 1/23. His performances in domestic matches earned him a spot in the national side.

Over the years, he has been a consistent performer in ODIs, with notable series against Australia and New Zealand. In the 2015 World Cup, Shami was instrumental in India’s campaign, finishing as the fourth leading wicket-taker of the tournament.

After that, along the way in 2019, he became the fastest Indian bowler to claim 100 ODI wickets.

Moreover, Shami made his T20I debut in 2014 against Pakistan. Although he hasn’t been as prolific in T20Is as in the other formats.

Mohammed Shami has had his moments, including being a part of the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad.

Mohammed Shami – The Records Breaker

Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, has carved a niche for himself with his consistent performances across all formats of the game.

His ability to swing the ball both ways and his penchant for picking up crucial wickets have made him a mainstay in the Indian cricket team.

As we delve into his cricketing journey, we find a plethora of records and milestones that stand as a testament to his skill and determination. Here’s a detailed account of some of his significant achievements:

Top Records

• Test Matches:
  • Mohammed Shami has played a total of 50 Test matches, picking up 180 wickets at an average of 27.36.
  • He boasts a best bowling figure in an innings of 6/56 and in a match of 9/118.
  • Mohammed Shami has five 5-wicket hauls in Tests, showcasing his ability to run through opposition batting line-ups.
  • His economy rate in Tests stands at 3.28, with a strike rate of 50.0.
• One-Day Internationals (ODIs):
  • In the 50-over format, Shami has represented India in 77 matches, claiming 144 wickets.
  • His best bowling figure in ODIs is an impressive 5/69.
  • With an average of 25.42 and an economy rate of 5.48, he has been a reliable bowler in the middle overs and at the death.
  • Shami’s ODI career also includes three 5-wicket hauls.
• Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):
  • Mohammed Shami has donned the Indian jersey in 12 T20Is, picking up 12 wickets.
  • His best performance in a T20I match is 3/38.
  • With an economy rate of 9.12 and an average of 32.25, he has been instrumental in providing early breakthroughs.

Notable Achievements

• Mohammed Shami became the second-fastest Indian to reach 100 ODI wickets, achieving the feat in just 56 matches.
• He played a pivotal role in India’s 2015 World Cup campaign, finishing as the team’s highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets.
• In the 2019 World Cup, Shami registered a hat-trick against Afghanistan, becoming only the second Indian after Chetan Sharma to achieve this feat in a World Cup match.
• Shami’s performance in the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship was noteworthy, especially his spells against the West Indies and South Africa.
• In the 2021 India-England series, Shami not only showcased his bowling prowess but also his batting skills, scoring a crucial half-century.

Mohammed Shami: The Backbone of His Success – His Family

Behind every successful cricketer, there’s a tale of sacrifice, support, and unwavering love.

For Mohammed Shami, a prominent figure in the Indian cricket team, his family has been the pillar of strength, guiding him through thick and thin.

From the fields of Sahaspur to the grand stadiums of international cricket, Shami’s journey is intertwined with the love and sacrifices of his family.

Family Origins

Mohammed Shami was born and brought up in the village of Sahaspur, located in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. His roots trace back to a humble background, where his father, Tauseef Ali, worked as a farmer.

Interestingly, Tauseef Ali was a fast bowler during his younger days, which perhaps sowed the seeds of cricketing passion in Shami.

Immediate Family

Shami’s father, Tauseef Ali, once a fast bowler in his youth, later took up farming. His passion for the sport undoubtedly influenced Shami’s inclination towards cricket.

Mohammed Shami is one of five children in his family. He has three brothers, one of whom, Mohammed Kaif, made his List A debut for Bengal in 2021.

The bond between the brothers is evident, as during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Shami and Mohammed Kaif trained together in Sahaspur.

They also played a significant role in providing food to the villagers during these challenging times.

Love Story

In 2014, Mohammed Shami tied the knot with Hasin Jahan, and the couple is blessed with a child. Shami’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs.

In 2020, he opened up about the challenges he faced due to injuries and allegations made by his wife, revealing that he had contemplated suicide thrice during this period.

Throughout these trying times, his family stood by him, providing the much-needed support and strength.

Mohammed Shami’s Net Worth: A Fast Bowler’s Financial Scorecard

Mohammed Shami, a pivotal figure in the Indian fast bowling lineup, has made a significant mark not only on the pitch but also in terms of his financial earnings.

Since his international debut in 2013, Mohammed Shami has accumulated wealth that reflects his success as a cricketer.

Net Worth and Earnings

As of 2023, Mohammed Shami’s net worth is estimated to be around 47 crore rupees or $6 million.

This sum is a testament to his success and is derived from his earnings as a professional cricketer, including his salary from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts, and brand endorsements.

BCCI Salary

As an ‘A’ grade player, Mohammed Shami earns 5 crores annually from the BCCI. Additionally, he receives 15 lakhs per Test match, 6 lakhs per ODI match, and 3 lakhs per T20 match.

IPL Salary

Mohammed Shami has been a consistent presence in the IPL since 2011, playing for teams like Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and currently, Gujarat Titans.

His IPL salary saw a significant jump when he was bought by the Gujarat Titans for 6.25 crore rupees, marking the highest bid he has received to date.

House

Shami owns a luxurious farmhouse in his hometown of Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, which spans 150 bighas and is valued at approximately 12-15 crore rupees.

The property includes several pitches for Mohammed Shami to practice his bowling.

Cars

Meanwhile, his garage houses a collection of classic cars, including an Audi, BMW 5 series, Jaguar F type, and Toyota Fortuner, collectively valued between 1.5 to 2.0 crore rupees.

Brand Endorsements

Shami’s income is significantly supplemented by brand endorsements. He is associated with brands like Nike, OctaFX, Blitzpools, and Stanford, with an endorsement fee of around 1 crore rupees.

Charity

Shami is also known for his charitable efforts. In 2018, he donated tricycles to differently-abled people in Amroha on the occasion of his daughter’s birthday, continuing a tradition of charity initiated by his forefathers.

Mohammed Shami: Controversies Surrounding the Indian Speedster

Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, has been in the limelight not only for his on-field performances but also for several controversies off the field.

While his cricketing skills have earned him accolades, these controversies have often overshadowed his achievements. Here’s a detailed look into the various incidents that have made headlines:

1. Online Abuse After India’s Loss to Pakistan

After India’s defeat to Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, Mohammed Shami faced severe online abuse and trolling.

The fast bowler was targeted for his religion and was blamed for the team’s loss. The online vitriol was condemned by fellow cricketers, celebrities, and fans, who came out in support of Shami.

The incident highlighted the dark side of social media, where players are often subjected to unwarranted hate and criticism.

2. Alimony Dispute with Estranged Wife Hasin Jahan

Mohammed Shami’s personal life came under scrutiny when his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, accused him of domestic violence and adultery.

The dispute took a legal turn, and Mohammed Shami was ordered by the court to pay a monthly alimony of 1.30 lakh rupees to Jahan.

The case garnered significant media attention, with both parties making allegations against each other.

3. Match-Fixing Allegations and Controversy with Pakistani Girl Alishba

In a twist to the domestic dispute with his wife, Mohammed Shami was accused of match-fixing.

Hasin Jahan alleged that Shami took money from a Pakistani girl named Alishba on the insistence of an England-based businessman.

Alishba later clarified her stance, stating that she met Mohammed Shami in Dubai but denied any monetary transactions.

The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit cleared Shami of the charges, but the incident added another layer to the ongoing controversy.

4. Delhi Daredevils’ Review Ahead of IPL

Amidst the personal and match-fixing allegations, Shami’s participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) came under the scanner.

The Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) franchise, for which Shami was set to play, decided to review the situation before making a decision on his inclusion. The franchise eventually retained him for the season.

5. Benched for Four World Cup 2023 Games

On the cricketing front, Mohammed Shami faced another controversy when he was benched for four games during the World Cup 2023.

The decision raised eyebrows, and Shami later opened up about the situation, stating that it wasn’t too hard for him and that he respected the team management’s decision.

Wrapping Up: The Exceptional Bowling of ‘Lalaji’ Mohammed Shami

In the annals of Indian cricket, Mohammed Shami will be remembered not just for his exceptional bowling skills but also for his resilience in the face of adversity.

His journey, marked by soaring records and challenging controversy, serves as an inspiration to budding cricketers and fans alike.

As Mohammed Shami continues to don the Indian jersey, his legacy as one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation is already etched in gold.