Star Pacer Mohammed Shami Tops Arjuna Award List for Outstanding Cricket Performances
Indian Pacer Mohammed Shami Shortlisted for Prestigious Arjuna Award
New Delhi: In a notable recognition of his stellar contributions to Indian cricket, pace sensation Mohammed Shami has earned a spot on the list of 26 sportspersons set to receive the esteemed Arjuna Award. The 33-year-old cricketer, who made his debut for Team India in 2013, has consistently impressed with his bowling prowess across formats.
Shami’s remarkable performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in 7 matches, has further solidified his reputation. Despite initially sitting out the first four matches, Shami’s impactful return against New Zealand in the league stage, including a five-wicket haul, played a pivotal role in India’s ten-match dominance in the tournament.
However, India fell short in the final against Australia, concluding as the runner-up. Shami’s inclusion in the prestigious list of Arjuna Award recipients reflects the acknowledgment of his significant role in India’s cricketing journey.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9, where President Droupadi Murmu will confer the honors upon the deserving athletes. Shami, undoubtedly a key figure in Indian cricket, will be among the distinguished personalities celebrated for their outstanding contributions to sports.
On the downside, Shami will miss the upcoming Test series against South Africa, having not received clearance from the BCCI’s medical team. The pacer’s absence is attributed to an ankle condition, as per reports. Shami consulted a sports orthopedic specialist in Mumbai to address the issue and is set to undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Despite the setback, there remains optimism about Shami’s potential return to fitness in time for the Boxing Day Test, as suggested by a BCCI source. The recognition of the Arjuna Award adds another feather to Shami’s cap, affirming his status as one of India’s premier cricketing talents.
