Internet Desk: Indian pacer Mohammed Shami played a huge role in India’s 178-run win over New Zealand in the 2nd Test match at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, as he took six wickets in the match, three each in both innings, but it wasn’t proving easy for the father.
Kolkata celebrated India’s victory in their 250th home Test with fervor, but little did they know that the local boy, Shami, who took the final New Zealand wicket to fall, played the match despite his 14-month old daughter admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for two days.
According to various media reports, Shami’s daughter, Aira, who had high fever and also had trouble while breathing, was admitted to one of the city hospitals and moved to the ICU on Sunday (October 2).
After the end of each day’s play, the India pacer used to visit his daughter at hospital before returning to the team hotel.
She was released on the last day of the Test, say people close to Shami, but for the few days she was at the hospital, Shami wasn’t at peace. Though Shami had the backing of his team throughout the difficult period, especially that of captain Virat Kohli.
“My captain had given me huge inspiration every night after I returned from the hospital. So, I am extremely thankful to him and also thankful to the mates who also gave me belief that my daughter must get cured by the time Test ends,” Shami quoted as saying about Kohli.