Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami is one of India’s finest fast bowlers. Known for his sharp seam movement, reverse swing, and calm aggression, Shami has redefined Indian fast bowling in all formats. Whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is, he consistently delivers under pressure.

Quick Facts about Mohammed Shami

Attribute Details
Full Name Mohammed Shami Ahmed
Birth Date 3 September 1990
Birthplace Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, India
Bowling Style Right-arm Fast
ODI Debut 6 January 2013 vs Pakistan
Test Debut 6 November 2013 vs West Indies
Major Teams India, Bengal, GT, PBKS, SRH, KKR
Arjuna Award Awarded in January 2024

Early Life: From Uttar Pradesh to Indian Team

Mohammed Shami was born in Sahaspur, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. His father was a farmer and once a fast bowler. At 15, Shami’s cricket journey began under coach Badruddin Siddique in Moradabad. Facing politics in UP cricket, Shami moved to Kolkata. With help from Debabrata Das, he joined Town Club and impressed Bengal selectors. He soon broke into the Ranji Trophy squad.

Domestic Breakthrough

Shami’s debut in 2010 was followed by strong performances in the Ranji Trophy. His standout 11-wicket haul against Madhya Pradesh and consistent reverse swing ability made him Bengal’s star.

Format Matches Wickets Best Bowling Average
First-Class 63 205 7/79 26.47
List A 85 162 7/57 23.30
Matches Wickets Best Figures 5-fors Average
64 229 6/56 6 27.71

ODI Career: The World Cup Specialist

Shami made his ODI debut in 2013. He became India’s most dependable bowler in World Cups. He’s the fastest Indian to take 200 ODI wickets and leads in ICC event wickets.

Matches Wickets Best Bowling Avg Econ
101 195 7/57 23.86 5.52

World Cup Heroics

  • 2015 WC: 17 wickets

  • 2019 WC: Hat-trick vs Afghanistan, 14 wickets in 4 games

  • 2023 WC: 24 wickets in 7 matches (highest in the tournament)

Shami’s 7/57 vs New Zealand in the 2023 semi-final is the best ODI figure by an Indian ever.

T20I Career: Understated but Impactful

While not his strongest format, Shami has made key contributions in T20Is.

Matches Wickets Best Econ
23 24 3/15 8.94

Starting with KKR, Shami played for Delhi Daredevils (now DC), Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans.

Team Matches Wickets Best
KKR 3 1 1/23
Delhi Capitals 32 20 2/34
PBKS 42 58 3/21
Gujarat Titans 32 48 4/11

He won the Purple Cap in IPL 2023 with 28 wickets and the most powerplay wickets in a single season.

Bowling Style & Strengths

Shami bowls at 140+ km/h with an upright seam. His signature skills include:

  • Seam & swing in both directions

  • Deadly reverse swing

  • Pinpoint yorkers

  • Match-winning spells under pressure

  • “He’s in the top 3 seamers in the world.” – Virat Kohli

Records & Milestones

Achievement Record Holder
Fastest Indian to 50 World Cup wickets ✅
First Indian with 7-wicket haul in ODI ✅
Most World Cup 4-fors & 5-fors ✅
Purple Cap winner in IPL 2023 ✅
Leading Indian in ICC tournament wickets ✅

Awards and Recognition

Year Award
2014 ICC ODI XI
2015 ICC ODI XI
2023 WC Semifinal MOTM
2024 Arjuna Award

Personal Life and Challenges

Shami faced tough times personally. In 2018, legal issues surfaced due to allegations by his wife. He was later cleared of match-fixing claims. During COVID, he helped feed hundreds in his village. In 2023, he rescued an accident victim, proving his humble side off-field too.

Mohammed Shami in ICC Events

Tournament Matches Wickets Best
2015 World Cup 7 17 4/35
2019 World Cup 4 14 5/69
2023 World Cup 7 24 7/57
2025 Champions Trophy 5 11 5/53

Mohammed Shami’s journey from Sahaspur to global cricket stardom is nothing short of inspirational. From being India’s go-to bowler in World Cups to winning the IPL Purple Cap, he has proved himself across formats. His work ethic, focus, and skill make him one of the best fast bowlers India has ever produced.

Keep visiting this tag page for all updates, records, and news about Mohammed Shami – the heart of India’s pace attack.