How Mohammed Shami became India's highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cup history

Mohammed Shami impressed the cricketing world yet again after claiming another five-wicket haul, propelling India into the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-finals with a huge victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday (November 2).

What

• In the ICC World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami played a pivotal role in India's remarkable victory over Sri Lanka in match No.33.

• Alongside pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Shami's superb performance caused a dramatic batting collapse for the 1996 world champions at Wankhede Stadium.

Breaking records

• Surpassing Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath, Shami now leads India in ODI World Cup wickets.

• Shami achieved his fourth five-wicket haul in ODIs, setting a new bowling record.
• Under Rohit Sharma's leadership, Team India crushed Sri Lanka by an impressive 302 runs in Mumbai.

Mohammed Shami - career recap

Early career

• Early in his career, hailing from a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, Mohammed Shami, the son of a farmer and former fast bowler, stood out among his five siblings, all aspiring fast bowlers.
• Impressing at the domestic level with the Bengal Ranji team, Shami quickly became a notable and versatile player in Indian domestic cricket.

Tests

In his Test career, Mohammed Shami has featured in 64 matches, claiming 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, while conceding just 3.31 runs per over, with a best of 6 for 56. 
 

ODIs

Shami has played 97 ODI matches, securing 185 wickets at an average of 24.08, and giving away 5.54 runs per over, with a best figure of 5 for 18. 

T20Is

In T20s, Shami has taken part in 23 matches, snatching 24 wickets with an average of 29.62, and conceding 8.94 runs per over, with a best of 3 for 15.

IPL career

• Originally starting hisIPL career with Kolkata Knight Riders, Mohammed Shami had limited chances.
• He then joined Delhi Daredevils in 2014 for Rs. 4.25 crore but struggled due to high economy rates and injuries, resulting in Delhi releasing him.

• In 2019, Kings XI Punjab signed him for Rs. 4.40 crore. Shami's form improved with consecutive seasons of strong performances. 
• In 2022, he joined Gujarat Titans and played a key role in their maiden IPL victory.His success continued in 2023 when he won the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets (28) in 17 matches.

Shami's downfall

Personal life

• In 2018, Shami was embroiled in controversy when his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, accused him of domestic violence, adultery, and match-fixing in a formal police complaint.
• The BCCI, overseen by a Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA), called for an investigation through the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Eventually, Shami was cleared of all charges.

Not getting selected

• Shami faced further issues as he was excluded from several matches by the selectors, who justified their decision as solely performance-related in cricket.
• During most of the Asia Cup, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the top pacers. Bumrah missed only one game against Nepal for personal reasons, replaced by Mohammed Shami in that group match.
• Shami's absence from the XI surprised many since he's been a key pacer across formats for years.

World Cup comeback

• This World Cup has been truly phenomenal for Shami, with the pacer bagging two five-wicket-hauls after missing out four of India’s opening fixtures. 
• Most recently, Mohammed Shami's exceptional performance with figures of 5/18 led India to a massive 302-run victory against Sri Lanka. 

• This remarkable feat marked his third five-wicket haul in ODI World Cups and made him India's top wicket-taker in the tournament, securing 45 wickets in only 13 matches.
• Currently, Mohammed Shami boasts 14 wickets in this World Cup, ranking sixth among the leading wicket-takers of the season.