Mohammed Shami, a veteran Indian paceman also known as “Lalaji,” celebrated his 33rd birthday on Sunday. In particular during the ODI and Test formats, Shami has been a crucial member of the Indian team. He made his debut on November 6, 2013, in what is commonly referred to as “Master Blaster” Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series against West Indies at home.
Shami received his Test cap from India’s “God of Cricket” in Sachin’s 199th Test game. He took four wickets in the first innings and added another two in the second, giving India a lopsided victory. The batters from the Caribbean were unable to handle his reverse swing, and they collapsed like nine pins. The quick bowler earned bowling honors with his first five-wicket haul.
MS Dhoni, India’s skipper at the time, recognised the quality and talent Shami possessed. His words of praise for Shami at the post-match presentation are still vivid in the minds of the Indian fans.
“Shami was fantastic, he got the right length, and that was the reason he got nine wickets (in both innings). You need a bit of pace if you want to dominate, he has very good seam positioning, which means he can reverse away from the right-handers too. On a wicket that has more bounce, he can move the ball both ways,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.