Mumbai: The demise of Mohammed Shami’s father on Friday has brought great grief to the Indian cricket team according to the fast bowler’s family. However, Shami’s brother Mohammed Asif revealed that Shami put his country ahead of his personal tragedy.
Shami has had a difficult time on the cricketing pitch, as he has had to miss a number of international matches due to injuries. Most recently, Shami injured his knee during the third Test between India and England.
The pace bowler had been undergoing his recovery training at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. He had to go back to Delhi, where his father was being treated in a hospital.
However, Asif revealed that his brother decided to go back to Bangalore to train, rather than stay in Delhi and mourn for his father.
“He wasn’t well in Moradabad for a long time, then we had to shift to Delhi for his treatment,” Asif said to Sportskeeda. “Bhai (Brother) came once back in January itself before leaving for Bengaluru. Certain members of the family asked him to stay, but he replied that India is as much of a father to him and he couldn’t deny that duty either,” he further continued.
Asif also revealed that his brother is intent on getting back to full fitness ahead of the much anticipated Australia’s tour to India, next month.
“He was very emotional, but decided to go back to training, knowing that his recovery ahead of the Australia series is paramount for the national team’s plan there. Now, I know that he’s going to give his best performance till date in his next series,” said Asif. “I’m sure he must be thinking in his head that he could have stayed back, but he made the right decision.”
