Shami helped India win Kolkata Test while his daughter was in the hospital

With his 14-month old daughter admitted to hospital due to high fever from the second day of the Kolkata Test, Shami was an anxious father.

Kolkata

Mohammed Shami took three wickets each in the Kolkata Test even as his daughter was admitted in the hospital. (Reuters)

Pacer Mohammed Shami might have looked in full flow during the second Test against New Zealand but it wasn’t proving easy for the father. With his 14-month old daughter admitted to hospital due to high fever from the second day of the Kolkata Test, Shami was an anxious dad. After the end of each day’s play, the India pacer used to visit his daughter at hospital before returning to the team hotel.

Shami’s daughter, Aira, was apparently suffering from breathing problems as well when she was admitted to hospital on Sunday. 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. He however didn’t let that affect his performance and picked three wickets in each innings after scoring a timely knock of 14 runs that allowed India to get past 300 runs in their first innings.

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 was quoted as saying about Kohli.