Amroha & Its Place In The Sun
A small district in the west of Uttar Pradesh, Amroha, has suddenly come into great reckoning. The city which has given several scholars, artists, politicians and freedom fighters, was never known for a sportsman, until, India’s pace sensation, the magician of seam and swing, Mohd Shami brought down records with every passing match of the just concluded World Cup. Amroha had its place in the sun like never before and so has been Mohd Shami’s rather intriguing and absorbing journey.
The Shami I Saw
A good 6 years ago or maybe more, a quiet Shami, looking a bit forlorn and expressionless was standing right in front of me at the Indigo check-in counter at the Delhi Airport, waiting for his boarding pass, as the officer was pushing his big bag on the conveyor belt. I recognised him immediately of course ( not sure of the rest of the people around ) and thought for once about meeting him, but I stood firmly at my place not to disturb Shami. He was out of the team for a while and was making a comeback. Without any fuss, Shami took the boarding pass had a word or two with the lady on the counter and left. I just felt that here was a very talented bowler who was going nowhere. I felt bad for him, but I hardly knew what was in store for Shami.
Those Difficult Times…
He had been through a torrid time both personally and professionally. With troubles in his marriage and a plethora of accusations to a career-threatening injury, nothing was going right for Shami. He had almost hit rock bottom, but then there were people around who had faith in him and in his abilities. First, his family and then Ravi Shastri and B Arun pulled Shami out of the mess he was in and made him what he is today.
…And The Good Samaraitans
Ravi Shastri, the Head Coach of the Indian Team and B Arun the bowling coach who had absolutely no doubt about Shami’s potential gave that much-needed support to Shami. The speedster trained hard, gained fitness and practised the skill which he has so robustly developed. His seam position on delivery is the best in business making him a handful on any playing surface. Bowling with wet balls for hours together has further expanded his bowling repertoire.
Relentless Hardwork Pays
Since making a comeback to the Indian Team, Shami has been a force wherever he has played in India or abroad which has reflected in India’s winning exploits across the world. The success of Gujarat Titans too has been on the back of some scintillating spells from Shami in the IPL. His breathtaking exploits in the World Cup ( breaking records all over ) are a testament to his ascendancy as a Great Indian Fast Bowler.
An Ode to Shami’s Roots
The fiery Shami continues to be quiet, the same way I had seen him a few years ago. The good part is that all the praise and appreciation has not shaken Shami off his feet. He remains grounded still, an ode to his humble roots, the sweet lands of Amroha, those succulent Mango orchards, those sweet sugarcane fields, the delectable Amawat, the heavenly Aam Panna and the scrumptious Gulab Jamun.
No wonder Shami is making everyone happy…he is from the Sweet Lands.
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