India has secured a spot in the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup by defeating New Zealand in the first semi-final with a convincing margin of 70 runs. This marks India's entry into the World Cup final after a gap of 12 years. The victory has sparked celebrations across the country, especially after the exceptional performance of Mohammad Shami, who played a crucial role in the semi-final match against New Zealand.
In the semi-final, Mohammad Shami showcased outstanding bowling skills, taking 7 wickets for just 57 runs, leading India to a remarkable win. This performance also etched his name in history as he became the first Indian bowler to take 50 wickets in World Cup history. Shami's journey to this achievement has been anything but easy, with personal struggles and controversies looming over him in recent years.
A few years ago, Shami faced multiple allegations and controversies, and at one point, he contemplated suicide. He revealed that he had considered ending his life three times when his family was going through a tough phase. Recalling those challenging times, Shami admitted that his family's support was crucial, and without them, he might have left cricket altogether.
Shami opened up about his struggles during a live session on Instagram with Rohit Sharma in 2020, sharing, "I got injured after the 2015 World Cup. It took me 18 months to make a comeback into the team, and it was the most difficult phase of my life. You know how tough rehabilitation is, and then there were family issues. All this was happening, and in the meantime, just 10-12 days before the IPL, I had a road accident. There was a lot going on in the media about my personal matters."
He continued, "I felt that if I didn't have my family's support, I would have quit cricket. I had thought about suicide three times. Someone from my family had to sit with me to keep an eye on me. My house was on the 24th floor, and they thought I might jump from the apartment."
Shami emphasized the role of his family in his recovery, stating that their unwavering support gave him the strength to overcome the challenges. He mentioned that his brother and some friends stood by him during those difficult times, and he would never forget their support.
In the recent semi-final match against New Zealand, Mohammad Shami's bowling figures of 7/57 surpassed the previous record held by Zaheer Khan for the most wickets taken by an Indian in a World Cup season. Shami's exceptional performance in the tournament includes taking 23 wickets in six matches, making him a key player for India.
The list of best bowling figures for India in ODIs now includes Shami's outstanding performance:
7/57 - Mohammad Shami against New Zealand, Mumbai, 2023 World Cup
6/4 - Stuart Binny against Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2014
6/12 - Anil Kumble against West Indies, Kolkata, 1993
6/19 - Jasprit Bumrah against England, The Oval, 2022
6/21 - Mohammed Siraj against Sri Lanka, Colombo RPS, 2023
Shami's feat not only broke Zaheer Khan's record but also established him as one of the best Indian bowlers in World Cup history. His exceptional figures in the semi-final match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium set a new benchmark for India in one-day internationals.
The previous World Cup record for India was held by Ashish Nehra, who took 6/23 against England in Durban during the 2003 World Cup. Shami's performance in the semi-final surpassed this record and solidified his place in cricket history.
Mohammad Shami's outstanding bowling figures of 7/57 against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium have become the best-ever performance in India's ODI history. This remarkable achievement has added another feather to Shami's cap, making him a pivotal player for the Indian cricket team.
Here is a list of the best ODI bowling performances by Indian bowlers:
7/57 - Mohammad Shami against New Zealand, Mumbai, 2023 World Cup
6/4 - Stuart Binny against Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2014
6/12 - Anil Kumble against West Indies, Kolkata, 1993
6/19 - Jasprit Bumrah against England, The Oval, 2022
6/21 - Mohammed Siraj against Sri Lanka, Colombo RPS, 2023
Breaking Zaheer Khan's previous record is a testament to Shami's exceptional skill and determination. His journey from personal struggles to becoming a record-breaker in the World Cup reflects the resilience and spirit of a true sportsman.
In World Cup knockout matches, Shami now holds the record for the best bowling figures by an Indian:
7/57 - Mohammad Shami against New Zealand, Mumbai, 2023 World Cup
The previous record was held by Gary Gilmour (AUS) with 6/14 against England in Leeds, 1975.
Shami's outstanding performance in the World Cup semi-final not only secured India's place in the final but also showcased his prowess as a world-class bowler. His figures of 7/57 are now etched in history as one of the best bowling performances in World Cup matches.
In terms of overall wickets in a World Cup season, Shami's 23 wickets in the current tournament place him among the elite bowlers. He shares the spotlight with legends like Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Chaminda Vaas. Shami's contributions have played a crucial role in India's journey to the World Cup final.
The list of most wickets in a World Cup season now includes Shami:
27 - Mitchell Starc (2019)
26 - Glenn McGrath (2007)
23 - Chaminda Vaas (2003)
23 - Muttiah Muralitharan (2007)
23 - Shaun Tait (2007)
23 - Mohammad Shami (2023)
The previous record for India was held by Zaheer Khan with 21 wickets in the 2011 World Cup.
Shami's exceptional performance has not only set new records for Indian bowlers but has also established him as a key player in the World Cup. His resilience and determination to overcome personal struggles make his journey even more inspiring. As India prepares for the World Cup final, Shami's role in the team will undoubtedly be crucial, and fans eagerly await another stellar performance from this record-breaking bowler.
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