India's highest wicket-taker of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Mohammed Shami, recently opened up about his early years in cricket.
During an interview with the sports and apparel brand PUMA, Shami recounted his days of struggle, saying that he was 'kicked out' by selectors on numerous occasions during the Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy team trials.
The Indian pacer also recalled the shocking reply by the selectors when his brother questioned the reasons behind Shami's non-selection.
The cricket official told his brother, 'If you can move my chair, then the boy will be selected. It’s very good. Otherwise, sorry.'
Shami told Puma, that his brother tore the form and decided that it was time for him to play for another team, facilitating his move to Bengal.
Mohammed Shami belongs to Uttar Pradesh but has never played for his state's team in domestic cricket.
For the past 15 odd years, the 33-year-old has called Bengal his home ground.