Pakistan’s fast bowler Naseem Shah has had early success in international cricket but has missed time owing to injuries and personal losses. However, the young pacer’s trip has inspired.
At 16, Naseem became the youngest Test bowler to take a hat-trick and the second-youngest to collect five wickets. Tragically, his mother died while on tour in his early career. He needed surgery and a long recovery after a shoulder injury at the 2023 Asia Cup.
injury has plagued Naseem, who routinely spends time in the hospital. He has overcome adversities with incredible mental power.
“I fell down after bowling a ball against India in the Asia Cup Super Four, and before that, I felt a tendon in my shoulder rip and sensed a gap. I had surgery, which is a big issue if you’ve never had surgery before. When the doctor approached me after a CT scan, I responded, “I know what you’ll tell me.” You’ll say I’m out for six months. He told ESPNcricinfo, “I knew what was occurring in my body and surgery was the only option.
Though pain-free, match fitness is different from injury-free. Naseem Shah
Once back in Lower Dir, northern Pakistan, the right-arm pacer recalled a vendor incident.
“The jalebis maker outside my house started telling me what I did wrong in the final. “Uncle ji, I’ve been buying jalebis from you for two years. Have I ever told you that your shape is wrong or that you don’t make good ones?” I laughed. Like us, you make mistakes. Maaf kar do na, “he said.
“Being injured long-term and rehabbing in preparation to come back is the absolute toughest time any athlete can encounter,” said Shah.
Naseem’s determination remains. He returned to the Pakistan Super League after shoulder surgery, showcasing his rhythm and pace again to secure a berth in the tournament’s team.
Nothing hurts anymore. But match fitness is different from injury-free. For six months, you must play more matches. This made a decent PSL crucial. When I returned to the PSL, my rhythm returned, but it took time to go back to my best. He determined that regular matches caused it.
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