Workhorse Shami equally effective with short bursts

Mohammed Shami is India's highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy with eight scalps.

- Rasesh Mandani

DUBAI: That's par for the course. In ICC white-ball events, Shami has been India's most consistent bowler. The pitches in Dubai have been slow and spin-friendly, but Shami has found ways to keep picking wickets.

A lot of it is down to Shami's desire to excel. When Shami, 34, missed his fitness battle to make it to the Australia series, people wondered if the bowler, sidelined after the 2023 World Cup, would ever make it back after ankle and knee injuries, leave alone hit peak form and fitness.

"God has been kind, I am working hard," he said after his three wickets helped India beat Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday.

The ace pacer believes he is gradually getting his rhythm back. Return from injury can be one long, winding road. Only a bowler would know if there were any missing links.