Table of Contents
Shami on Long Rehab: ‘Felt Like a Toddler Learning How to Walk’
In the world of professional sports, athletes often face the inevitable challenge of injuries that can derail their careers, force them into long periods of rehabilitation, and test their resilience both physically and mentally. For Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, this challenge became a reality several times throughout his career, with one particularly memorable period being the long road to recovery following his knee injury. A 2019 knee surgery forced Shami into an extended rehabilitation process that pushed his limits and, in his own words, made him feel like a “toddler learning how to walk.”
Shami’s story of recovery is not just a tale of physical healing but also a testament to the strength of the human spirit. His journey provides an insight into the emotional and psychological hurdles that athletes face when trying to return to peak performance after an injury. In this article, we explore Shami’s long rehab journey, his struggles, his feelings during the recovery process, and how he managed to bounce back stronger, proving to be an inspiration to many who face similar setbacks.
The Injury: A Turning Point in Shami’s Career
The beginning of Shami’s rehabilitation journey began in 2019, when the fast bowler sustained a knee injury during an intense period of international cricket. The injury was serious enough to require surgery, which would sideline him for an extended period. For a fast bowler, a knee injury is particularly concerning because the strength and stability of the knees are critical to generating pace, maintaining consistency, and delivering fast, aggressive spells.
Shami had already established himself as one of India’s leading pacers, both in Test and limited-overs cricket, and the injury came at a time when he was in peak form. It was during the 2019 World Cup that Shami was forced to deal with physical limitations due to his knee injury. Despite this setback, Shami continued to fight through the pain, producing match-winning performances, including the unforgettable hat-trick against Afghanistan. However, it became clear that a more permanent solution was needed if Shami was to continue performing at his best for India.
The injury led to a decision for surgery and a long road of rehabilitation.
The Psychological Toll: “Felt Like a Toddler Learning How to Walk”
Rehabilitation is never easy for athletes, and the psychological toll of being sidelined is often more challenging than the physical pain itself. For Shami, the process was filled with frustrations, moments of self-doubt, and even despair. In a candid interview, Shami revealed that the rehab process felt like learning something completely new and unfamiliar, much like a toddler learning how to walk for the first time.
The comparison Shami made was apt, as his rehabilitation meant starting from scratch. He had to rebuild the strength, mobility, and flexibility of his knee from the ground up. For an athlete used to the intensity of international cricket, such a dramatic step back was mentally taxing. Shami was used to running in, delivering fast deliveries, and being in peak physical condition. But during rehab, he was restricted, limited in his movements, and at times, unable to perform simple exercises without experiencing pain or frustration.
There were days when Shami struggled to push through the rehabilitation process. The familiar feeling of physical strength and fitness seemed distant. In an athlete’s world, to be restricted from doing what you love the most — playing the game — is one of the most difficult experiences to endure.
However, Shami’s mental strength came to the fore during these testing times. He knew that the only way forward was to remain patient and persistent, no matter how challenging the journey became.
The Long Road to Recovery: Small Wins, Big Steps
Rehabilitation for an elite athlete is a delicate process that requires both physical effort and emotional resilience. Every milestone in the recovery process — even something as simple as walking without pain — is a huge victory. For Shami, the journey involved months of intense physical therapy, with a focus on strengthening the injured knee, improving his flexibility, and building endurance.
Shami spent countless hours in the training room, performing exercises tailored to rebuilding his strength and agility. Initially, even walking without assistance seemed like an insurmountable challenge. But Shami remained committed to the process, slowly increasing the intensity of his workouts. It wasn’t about rushing the recovery; it was about steady progress, no matter how slow or incremental.
The physical toll was evident, and there were moments when Shami questioned whether he would ever regain the form he once had. However, the fire within him never went out. Shami set his sights on one goal: to return to the Indian team stronger than ever and continue contributing to the success of the team.
During his rehab, Shami also found himself spending time with family and friends, staying connected to his roots, and receiving emotional support from his loved ones. Having a strong support system proved crucial in keeping his spirits high and enabling him to stay mentally strong during the long recovery process.
The Return to Fitness: Breaking Through the Physical Barriers
After months of grueling rehab, Shami began to see the fruits of his labor. The first major breakthrough came when he was able to resume light bowling in the nets, with a reduced workload to assess the strength of his knee. His first few deliveries were tentative and cautious, but as time passed, Shami gained confidence in his body and began to regain his rhythm.
One of the key factors in Shami’s return to fitness was his ability to adapt his bowling style. Fast bowling, especially at the level Shami operates, demands a lot from the body — particularly the knees, shoulders, and back. Shami’s rehabilitation also included working on his biomechanics and the technical aspects of his bowling action to ensure his knee injury didn’t resurface in the future.
After months of rebuilding, Shami was cleared to play competitive cricket once again. His return was highly anticipated, and he made his comeback to IPL 2020, playing for the Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab). The moment he was back on the field, the crowd roared in approval, and Shami proved his worth immediately. His performances in the IPL were a strong indicator that he was ready for international cricket once again.
Back on the Field: Resilience Personified
Shami’s return to the Indian team after his rehabilitation was an emotional moment not just for him but for his teammates and fans as well. His ability to rise above the physical and emotional challenges was something that inspired the entire cricketing world. Upon his return to the Indian squad, Shami quickly regained his place as one of the most consistent fast bowlers in world cricket.
In the 2020-2021 Border-Gavaskar series, Shami’s performances were exceptional, despite a few hiccups along the way. His contributions with the ball, especially in tough conditions, highlighted the fact that Shami had come a long way from his rehab days. His ability to bowl with pace and precision, while maintaining a high level of fitness, proved that the long rehab process had not only healed him physically but had also fortified his mental resolve.
His comeback was capped off by performances in major tournaments, where he showed the world that his earlier struggles had made him a more focused, determined, and resilient cricketer. Shami’s ability to bowl match-winning spells in crucial moments, whether in the IPL or for India, cemented his place in India’s elite group of pacers.
Shami’s Legacy: More Than Just a Fast Bowler
Today, Mohammed Shami is not just a fast bowler; he’s a symbol of resilience and mental toughness in the world of cricket. His journey through injury, rehab, and eventual return to the field has provided a roadmap for athletes around the world who face adversity in their careers. Shami’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about the mental strength to bounce back from setbacks.
Shami’s words about his rehabilitation — “Felt like a toddler learning how to walk” — resonate deeply with anyone who has ever faced a long road to recovery. In a world where instant results are often expected, Shami’s journey proves that patience, perseverance, and belief in oneself are the true keys to overcoming challenges.
As he continues to represent India at the highest level, Shami’s legacy is not just about wickets and performances; it’s about inspiring others to never give up, no matter how tough the road ahead may seem.
