NEW DELHI: Mohammed Shami kept it simple, raw and deeply personal as he returned to his ‘home’ ground, Eden Gardens, ahead of Thursday’s Lucknow Super Giants’ clash against Kolkata Knight Riders — a contest loaded with subplots for the veteran pacer.Fresh off a match-winning spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he delivered a remarkable 2/9 with 18 dot balls, Shami struck a philosophical note, underlining the values that continue to drive him despite injuries and time away from the national side.“Hum mazdoor aadmi hain, humein bas ball daalni hai (we are like labourers, we just have to keep bowling),” Shami quipped, summing up his approach with disarming honesty.Grounded in roots, driven by hungerThe fast bowler reflected on his journey, insisting that staying grounded has been key to his longevity and consistency.“There will be ups and downs in life — injuries and all — but you should never forget your ground-level hard work,” he said. “If you chase too many ‘fancy things’, that becomes your weakness. Nowadays everyone is after social media.”Despite being overlooked for national selection, Shami has continued to deliver in domestic cricket, finishing among the top wicket-takers in the recent Ranji Trophy with 37 wickets at an average of 16.72. His standout 8/90 performance was instrumental in Bengal’s run to the semifinals.“I’m born into a farmer’s family and I’ve not left my roots. As a player, I still have that hunger. If you want to play at that level again, you must have that drive in you,” he added.Eden Gardens: A homecoming with edgeFor Shami, Eden Gardens is more than just a venue — it’s his ‘karm bhoomi’. Having represented Bengal for years, the seasoned pacer acknowledged the advantage of familiarity as he prepares to face KKR.“For me, domestic cricket is as important as any format. I always prioritise it. Even though I was born in Uttar Pradesh, Bengal is my ‘karm bhoomi’,” he said.“Jab tak mere andar khelne ke liye jaan hai, mein Bengal ke liye kheloonga (as long as I have the strength and motivation, I will keep playing for Bengal).”Speaking about the conditions, Shami hinted at a subtle edge. “You always have that home advantage playing at Eden Gardens. You understand the pitch and conditions because you’ve spent so much time there. If I play here against KKR, there will be some advantage for me being a ‘local’.”With KKR still searching for their first win of the season and LSG gaining momentum, Shami’s return to Eden could well tilt the balance.
