Star India pacer Mohammed Shami receives Arjuna Award from President Draupadi Murmu

India’s pace maestro, Mohammad Shami, received the prestigious Arjuna Award on January 9th, in recognition of his exceptional performances throughout 2023. The Indian Cricket Board recommended Shami for this esteemed award, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to Indian cricket.

The highlight of Shami’s cricketing year was his stellar display in the ODI World Cup 2023, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker. In the World Cup, Shami’s bowling prowess was on full display as he scalped an impressive 24 wickets from seven matches, boasting a phenomenal average of 10.70.

His impactful performances included three five-wicket hauls, solidifying his reputation as a standout fast bowler on the global stage. The recognition ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Shami was presented with the Arjuna Award by India’s esteemed President, Droupadi Murmu.

Will Mohammed Shami be fit for the England Test series?

Mohammed Shami’s remarkable contributions extended beyond the World Cup, as he claimed a total of 43 wickets in 19 ODIs and added 13 wickets in four Test matches during 2023. This impressive form played a pivotal role in India’s success across formats. However, the dynamic fast bowler has been on the sidelines since India’s World Cup final loss to Australia on November 19, nursing an ankle injury.

While initially named in the Test squad for the South Africa tour, Shami’s ankle injury prevented him from participating. Despite reports indicating that he is unlikely to feature in the first two matches of the upcoming five-test series against England, the series begins on January 25 in Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, Shami’s Arjuna Award stands as a testament to his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. The award not only honors his brilliance but also underscores the invaluable role he plays in shaping India’s success on the international cricketing stage.