DUBAI: India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Shami on Thursday said he came into the Champions Trophy with an eye on taking regular wickets after he returned to international cricket from a career-threatening injury.
Shami claimed impressive figures of 5-53 to set up India’s six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their opening match of the 50-over tournament in Dubai.
The 34-year-old stepped up in the absence of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was forced to miss the event due to a back injury.
Shami himself only returned to competitive cricket late last year after a string of injuries including ankle, heel and knee which delayed his recovery since his last match in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Shami was India’s star bowler in the 50-over World Cup at home with 24 wickets in seven matches but the team lost the final to Australia in Ahmedabad.
“It was difficult to get injured and go down from the form that you had in the World Cup,” Shami told reporters.
“Those 14 months were very difficult as I had to repeat all the things and that pinches you and you feel the pain. But I got those domestic matches and four international games (against England) to get my confidence back.”
On his performance in ICC tournaments, Shami said, “I always try, especially in ICC events, that even if I leak plenty of runs, I should at least get some wickets.”
Shami has always been key for India in top tournaments and has snow surpassed former quick Zaheer Khan in ICC ODI tournaments as the leading bowler with 60 wickets. Zaheer took 59.
Shami was missed in India’s recent 3-1 Test defeat in Australia as often Bumrah felt the absence of solid support form the other end.
Shami said it was equally tough for him watching from the sidelines.
“You always miss your bowling unit and the ones you’re usually with,” said Shami.
“You always think ‘I wish I could contribute as well’. You always miss that when you’re injured then you can’t do anything apart from watching games, ball by ball.”
Life, though, has come a full circle for Shami in Dubai, a city where he was trolled with ugly social media abuse after India lost to Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Shami was attacked for being a Muslim and the then skipper Virat Kohli and many former players stood up for the veteran bowler.
“Social media is such these days that it can lead to some unwanted things in your mind,” said Shami when asked about the incident.
“I don’t like to think about such things. People will remind you about the poor performances and it will pinch you too but I feel as a cricketer and sportsman one shouldn’t look back too much and just stay in the present, and plan for the future.”
India next take on arch-rivals Pakistan in a Sunday blockbuster.
Champions Trophy: Comeback hero Shami says wicket-taking mindset alive
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Champions Trophy: Comeback hero Shami says wicket-taking mindset alive
- Shami claimed impressive figures of 5-53 to set up India’s six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their opening match in Dubai
- The 34-year-old stepped up in absence of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was forced to miss the event due to a back injury
Forever Young bids for historic second Saudi Cup
- Yoshito Yahagi returns with two defending champions
RIYADH: Trainer Yoshito Yahagi believed Forever Young (JPN) to be virtually unbeatable when he thwarted Romantic Warrior (IRE) 12 months ago, and he returns to Riyadh with his Breeders’ Cup hero bidding to become the first dual winner of the Group 1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse this Saturday.
Hong Kong legend Romantic Warrior was the only possible danger to victory in the 2025 renewal of the $20 million feature in the mind of the decorated trainer.
And he was proved correct as the pair went head-to-head down the stretch with Forever Young prevailing by neck — having only led inside the final 25 meters.
“I didn’t think he would be beaten by any horse,” revealed Yahagi. “But I wasn’t completely sure about Romantic Warrior, as it was his first time racing on dirt. If Forever Young was going to be beaten, it had to be by Romantic Warrior.”
Romantic Warrior made a big move at the top of the stretch and looked assured of success, only for Ryusei Sakai to wear him down aboard the brilliant entire in a dramatic climax.
“It was unbelievable. To be honest, I thought we had been beaten at the finish. It was a great race,” added Yahagi.
The trainer bids for a third win in just seven renewals of the Saudi Cup following on from Panthalassa (JPN) in 2023, and Forever Young will have his first start after writing another chapter in the history books when becoming the first Japanese-trained winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar last November.
“He skipped the Tokyo Daishoten this year after the Breeders’ Cup,” explained Yahagi. “He was carrying a little extra weight at first, but he has been improving steadily.
“The anti-clockwise track and the long home straight really suit him in Saudi Arabia and Sakai knows everything about him. Their partnership is very reliable,” added the trainer of the pairing who also claimed the 2024 Saudi Derby.
Yahagi has been one of the leading promoters of Japanese racing with wins also in Dubai on World Cup night, in Hong Kong and with a Cox Plate victory in Australia.
“Winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic definitely brought about a big change in the Japanese racing industry. Horse racing is still not the biggest sport in Japan, but I would like to continue working to grow it,” he explained.
“The Japanese racing industry is aiming to be the best in the world. Strong fan support, including wagering turnover, contributes to high prize-money. Because of that, Japanese owners are willing to invest significant sums. The industry is healthy thanks to the support of the fans.”
Forever Young went on to be third in the Dubai World Cup last year and a return to Meydan is again on the cards, but another tilt at a Breeders’ Cup has yet to be decided.
Yahagi said: “He will run The Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup. He is scheduled to run in those two races. We are focusing on these two Middle Eastern races for his spring campaign. Nothing has been confirmed yet for his autumn campaign.
“The Breeders’ Cup will be held at Keeneland this year, which makes it a different situation for us compared to when it is held on the West Coast of the US. I need to discuss our plans with the owner, Mr. Fujita, who was keen to keep him in training.”
Team Yahagi return with not one but two defending champions as Shin Emperor (FR) also bids for a repeat win after making all from stall three last year in the Howden Neom Turf Cup, which now carries G1 status and $3 million in prize-money.
“He is in very good form and this race has always been the target,” said Yahagi. “The anti-clockwise, flat 2,100-meter track on good ground suits him very well. He doesn’t have to lead, but we would like to see him settle into a good position.”
And ominously for opponents to the full-brother to Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Sottass (FR), he added: “I thought he had fully matured, but in fact he is still improving.”
