'This Is Dream’ - Mohammed Shami After Winning The Arjuna Award

image-lr5seb7pShami enjoyed a brilliant run in 2023. (X.com)

After being bestowed with India's second-highest sporting honor, the Arjuna Award, Indian pace maestro Mohammed Shami said that winning the award is like a dream for him.

The Arjuna Award, a prestigious recognition for exceptional performances in Sports and Games, was conferred upon Shami in acknowledgment of his stellar year leading the Indian bowling attack during the team's unbeaten journey to the World Cup final. Hailing from Amroha, Shami's remarkable display included an impressive tally of 24 wickets in just seven games, making him the tournament's leading wicket-taker with an economy rate of 5.26 and two five-wicket hauls.

Despite India falling short in their pursuit of the coveted trophy, Shami's outstanding contributions left an enduring impact, highlighting his pivotal role in the team's journey through the tournament.

In December 2023, the Sports Ministry of India unveiled the list of 26 players set to receive the Arjuna Award, with Mohammed Shami being the sole cricketer among them in 2023.

Expressing his joy on the eve of receiving the award, Shami said, “The Arjuna Award is a dream. Many people go through life without achieving it. I am happy to have been nominated for this honor,”  he said to ANI.

Currently sidelined due to an ankle injury, Shami was absent from the recent two-Test away series against South Africa, despite being named in the squad. Although initially expected to make his international comeback in the five-Test series against England at home, the latest developments suggest that Shami might need more time for recovery, potentially causing him to miss the first two games of the series starting on January 25.

Having secured 229 wickets in 64 Test matches at an average of 27.71, Shami stands as India's fifth-highest wicket-taker among pacers in Tests. This impressive tally comprises six five-wicket hauls. His numbers at home are phenomenal, having bagged 76 wickets in 21 Tests at a brilliant average of 22.10. Notably, 44 of his wickets have been claimed against England in 15 Tests, averaging 38.29. With such a track record, Shami is expected to play a big role for the team, and skipper Rohit Sharma will undoubtedly rely on the services of their most experienced Test pacer, especially in home conditions.

Following their historic victory in Cape Town against South Africa, India is gearing up for a challenging five-match Test series against England, commencing with the first Test in Hyderabad. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test scheduled in Dharamshala on March 11.


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