Mohammed Shami is all set to make his return to the international stage after a gap of more than a year in the five-match T20I series against England. He has also been named in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad.

The T20I series will begin on Wednesday, January 22, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata and the BCCI shared an emotional video on its social media in which Shami reflects on his journey and inspiration while flying a kite.

The video begins with the Indian pacer sharing that he has not flown a kite for a long time as cricket has kept him busy but he can still fly a kite and knows how to maintain balance. Even Shami connected kite flying with playing cricket.

Balance of a kite is like life in cricket: Mohammad Shami

Mohammad Shami compared the balance required to fly a kite with the pace and concentration required on the pitch. The veteran pacer stressed that maintaining fitness, mentality and skills are as important in bowling as in controlling the kite, but it is always about confidence.

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Mohammad Shami said in a video shared by BCCI on social media: “The balance of a kite is like life in cricket; if you are at the crease, you will score runs and get wickets. Rhythm is important; life is Everything has a flow in No matter what it is, your fitness, mentality and skills are all important in bowling.

The same goes for kites. Whether it’s flying a kite, bowling or driving, it doesn’t matter. If you are strong and believe in yourself, then I don’t think you will notice any difference. You see, I can still fly this kite 15 years later. Therefore, confidence is important for any task. “

“You should never give up your stubbornness”

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old attributes his successful recovery to his resilience and determination. Shami said he was motivated by the drive to keep returning to the field and represent the country during the long journey.

The Indian pacer, however, admitted that he initially felt a bit scared while running but he has completely overcome it.

Mohammad Shami further explained his point of view, “When we are young, our parents teach us to walk, so we fall and get up again, but that doesn’t stop learning to walk, so you should not give up on your stubbornness. Even if you fall, you have to get up and go again, so in the same profession, if you are injured, you have to work hard for your team, for your country, so I always say: keep fighting, keep moving forward.”

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Mohammad Shami says injuries have made him a stronger player

The Bengal pacer also mentioned that when a player performs well, everyone is on his side but during his tough times, he faces the real test.

Shami said that he had waited for a whole year and worked hard for his comeback. He also noted that injuries have made him stronger as an athlete because he has to repeat a lot of things while being mentally strong.

Mohammad Shami said that he always believed in hard work and now his tough phase is over. The Indian pacer said setbacks are part of life but the key is to get back up and keep going. Injuries can break you down, but it’s the determination to come back that really matters to your team and your country. Shami concluded by saying, “So, fight and grow!”

After many tests and a long wait, he is back, wearing the cloak of melancholy💙

For Mohd Shami, it’s only “UP & UP” from now on👆🏻

Watch 🎥🔽 #IndiaTeam | #INVENG | @MdShami11 | @IDFCFIRSTBank https://t.co/V03n61Yd6Y

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 22, 2025