Mohammed Shami, the Indian fast bowler known for his fiery pace and aggressive bowling style, turned 34 on Tuesday. As he continues his recovery from ankle surgery, Shami is nearing a return to international cricket.
To celebrate his birthday, Star Sports shared a video of Shami engaging in a rapid-fire question-and-answer session. One question that caught the attention of fans was about his nickname, ‘Lala’. Shami revealed that the nickname was given to him by none other than the Indian batting legend, Virat Kohli.
“Virat started it because almost everybody in the team had a nickname, only I was left,” Shami explained in the video. The camaraderie and light-heartedness within the Indian cricket team are evident in this anecdote, as Kohli ensured that even the last member of the team had a nickname.
Beyond the nickname, the video offered insights into Shami’s cricketing preferences. He shared that he admires the bowling styles of Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn, two of the most respected fast bowlers of all time. When asked about his favourite batsman to bowl to, Shami mentioned Joe Root, highlighting the English batsman’s ability to score runs all around the wicket.
Shami also reflected on the most memorable moment of his career. It was when he joined the Indian ODI team and had to give a speech standing on a chair. “When I stood up and started seeing the faces, then I was left speechless,” Shami recalled. “When I stepped into a meeting that had the top batsmen and the top bowlers, I just couldn’t comprehend (what to say).”
Shami’s story is one of dedication, skill, and a love for the game. He continues to be a vital part of the Indian cricket team and his comeback is eagerly awaited by fans around the world.
