Know your Cricketer: Mohammed Shami; a fast Bowler

Personal Information
Full Name	Mohammed Shami Ahmed
Date of Birth	September 3rd, 1990
Current Team(s)	Gujarat Titans (GT)
	Indian Cricket Team
Role	Bowler
Bowling Style	Right Arm Fast
Batting Style	Right Hand Bat
Debut	January 6th, 2013
Jersey No.	11

When it comes to the Indian national cricket team, one name that stands out is Mohammed Shami. Known for his exceptional skills as a fast bowler, Shami has become a force to be reckoned with in all formats of the game. This article delves into the journey of Mohammed Shami, his achievements, and his impact on Indian cricket.

Early Life and Background
Mohammed Shami was born on September 3, 1990, in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, India. From a young age, Shami showed a great passion for cricket and honed his skills as a fast bowler. His natural talent and dedication paved the way for his entry into the world of professional cricket.

Rise in Domestic Cricket
Shami's talent and hard work did not go unnoticed, and he made his first-class debut in 2010, representing Bengal against Assam. In that match, he showcased his potential by taking three wickets. Two years later, during the Duleep Trophy, Shami impressed everyone with his exceptional skills, claiming eight wickets. His ability to generate bounce and pace from just short of a good length made him a formidable opponent for any batsman.

IPL Journey
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shami has had a remarkable journey, representing various franchises over the years. He began his IPL career with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011 and later joined the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2014. In 2019, Shami moved to the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and delivered outstanding performances, becoming the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. He continued his success in the following seasons, and in 2022, he was bought by the Gujarat Titans for a whopping 6.5 Cr, where he played a vital role in helping them secure their first IPL Title.

International Debut and Test Success
Shami made his Test debut for India in 2013 against the West Indies. He made an immediate impact, swinging the old ball appreciably and taking 11 wickets at an impressive average of 16.54 in the two-match series. His ability to move the ball both ways off the seam made him a difficult bowler to face. During the England tour that followed, Shami, alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar, recorded the second-highest 10th wicket partnership for India in Tests, putting on 111 runs against England in Nottingham.

Dominance in One-Day Internationals
Shami's ODI debut took place in January 2013 against Pakistan in Delhi. Despite having limited experience in first-class and List A games, he proved his mettle by taking a wicket for just 23 runs in a crucial victory. On his debut, he became the first Indian and the eighth bowler overall to bowl four or more maiden overs. Shami's ability to bowl with precision and generate movement in the air and off the pitch has made him a vital asset to the Indian team in limited-overs cricket.

Unleashing the "Unplayable" Skill
Shami's skill as a fast bowler has often been described as "unplayable" by cricket experts and fans alike. His ability to swing and reverse swing the ball at a brisk pace has troubled batsmen around the world. Shami's consistent performances in all formats of the game have solidified his reputation as one of the best fast bowlers in contemporary cricket.

Achievements and Records
Throughout his career, Shami has achieved several remarkable milestones. In the IPL, he has consistently been among the leading wicket-takers, proving his worth as a valuable asset to his team. In the 2019 season, he took 19 wickets, while in the following season, he grabbed 20 wickets. Shami's prowess with the ball has also translated to the international stage, where he has been instrumental in India's victories.

Shami's Bowling Stats
Here is a summary of Mohammed Shami's bowling statistics across different formats of the game:

Conclusion
Mohammed Shami's journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to becoming one of the most feared fast bowlers in international cricket is a testament to his talent and hard work. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace from just short of a good length has made him a formidable opponent in all formats of the game. Shami's contributions to the Indian cricket team, both in the IPL and international cricket, have been invaluable. As he continues to excel, fans eagerly anticipate more memorable performances from this "unplayable" fast bowler.