Mohammed Shami Recalls Yuvraj Singh's Chair Prank in First India Dressing Room

A Prank That Broke the Ice

Mohammed Shami, one of India's most prolific fast bowlers, has opened up about the moment he first walked into the Indian dressing room. In a recent recollection, the Bengal speedster revealed a light-hearted prank by Yuvraj Singh that left him both startled and amused.

Shami, known for his lethal seam movement and calm demeanour on the field, admitted that the memory remains vivid. He described how Yuvraj, a veteran of countless battles, decided to test the nerves of the newcomer in his own signature style.

Standing on the Chair

Recalling the incident, Shami said that Yuvraj asked him to stand on a chair. The instruction, delivered with a straight face, left the young pacer confused. However, being a junior in the squad, he complied without questioning the senior pro.

What followed was a moment of sheer embarrassment and laughter, as the entire dressing room erupted in cheers. Shami, who had grown up idolising many of his teammates, found himself at the centre of a classic initiation ritual that is common in Indian cricket.

The Nerves of a Debutant

Shami also spoke about the anxiety that gripped him before that first stint in the national team. Walking into a room filled with legends like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Yuvraj Singh was overwhelming, he admitted. The pressure of performing at the highest level was compounded by the fear of not fitting in.

Yet, it was moments like the chair prank that helped ease that tension. The seniors, he said, knew exactly how to make a newcomer feel part of the family while keeping the atmosphere light.

Learning from the Greats

The fast bowler went on to praise the guidance he received from the senior players during his formative years in international cricket. He credited them for teaching him not just the technical aspects of the game, but also the mental toughness required at the highest level.

Shami's journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to becoming India's leading wicket-taker in World Cups has been well documented. His ability to swing the ball both ways and his knack for striking early blows have made him a vital cog in the Indian bowling attack.

A Bond That Endures

The bond between Shami and his seniors has only grown stronger over the years. Even after retirement, players like Yuvraj remain in touch with the current crop, often sharing wisdom and cracking jokes. Shami's anecdote serves as a reminder of the camaraderie that defines Indian cricket's dressing room culture.

As he continues to lead the pace attack in various formats, Shami often looks back at those early days with fondness. The chair incident, he says, taught him that humility and humour are as important as skill in a team sport.

What Lies Ahead

With the next international season approaching, Shami will be keen to add more milestones to his already glittering career. His experience and leadership will be crucial for India's young fast bowlers coming through the ranks.

As for the chair prank, it remains a cherished memory that Shami enjoys recounting, proving that even the fiercest of fast bowlers have a soft spot for a good laugh.