Recent reports have surfaced regarding Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami’s struggles with mental health, particularly his suicide attempt during some of the darkest periods of his life.
During a recent podcast, Umesh Kumar recounted a particular night when he found Shami standing on the balcony of their 19th-floor apartment.
This incident occurred after Shami was surrounded by the match-fixing allegations that had surfaced following a poor performance against Pakistan during the T20 World Cup 2021.
Umesh described the moment as one of the longest nights of his life, expressing concern for Shami’s well-being as he stood on the balcony, seemingly contemplating a drastic action.
Umesh stated, “Shami was fighting with everything during that phase. He said that I can tolerate everything but not allegations of betraying my country.”
This sentiment underscores the emotional burden Shami carried, feeling that he had to defend not just his career but also his integrity as a player.
What happened to Mohammad Shami?
Shami has had a tumultuous career, marked by significant highs and devastating lows. He has been a key player for the Indian cricket team, known for his exceptional bowling skills.
However, his personal life has been dealt with challenges, especially following allegations made by his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, in 2018.
She accused him of domestic violence, adultery, and match-fixing, which led to a severe impact on his career, including a temporary suspension of his BCCI contract while investigations were conducted.
Although he was later cleared of match-fixing allegations, the emotional toll of these events was profound.
How did Mohammad Shami recover?
Fortunately, the situation took a positive turn when Shami received a message confirming he had been cleared of the allegations.
Umesh noted that Shami’s reaction to this news was one of immense relief, perhaps even greater than the joy he would have felt from winning a major tournament.
Following this incident, Shami has focused on his rehabilitation after undergoing ankle surgery and is currently training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Shami’s journey highlights the critical importance of mental health support for athletes, especially those facing public scrutiny and personal challenges.
Also Read: Why Andrew Flintoff Can Be New England’s White-Ball Coach
