![\"\u2018Hum](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130100851,imgsize-78724,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/mohammed-shami.jpg\" "\\"Mohammed")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Mohammed Shami<\/a> kept it simple, raw and deeply personal as he returned to his \u2018home\u2019 ground, Eden Gardens, ahead of Thursday\u2019s Lucknow Super Giants\u2019 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders \u2014 a contest loaded with subplots for the veteran pacer.Fresh off a match-winning spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he delivered a remarkable 2\/9 with 18 dot balls, Shami struck a philosophical note, underlining the values that continue to drive him despite injuries and time away from the national side.\u201cHum mazdoor aadmi hain, humein bas ball daalni hai (we are like labourers, we just have to keep bowling),\u201d Shami quipped, summing up his approach with disarming honesty.Grounded in roots, driven by hunger<\/span>The fast bowler reflected on his journey, insisting that staying grounded has been key to his longevity and consistency.\u201cThere will be ups and downs in life \u2014 injuries and all \u2014 but you should never forget your ground-level hard work,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you chase too many \u2018fancy things\u2019, that becomes your weakness. Nowadays everyone is after social media.\u201dDespite being overlooked for national selection, Shami has continued to deliver in domestic cricket, finishing among the top wicket-takers in the recent Ranji Trophy<\/a> with 37 wickets at an average of 16.72. His standout 8\/90 performance was instrumental in Bengal\u2019s run to the semifinals.\u201cI\u2019m born into a farmer\u2019s family and I\u2019ve not left my roots. As a player, I still have that hunger. If you want to play at that level again, you must have that drive in you,\u201d he added.Eden Gardens: A homecoming with edge<\/span>For Shami, Eden Gardens is more than just a venue \u2014 it\u2019s his \u2018karm bhoomi\u2019. Having represented Bengal for years, the seasoned pacer acknowledged the advantage of familiarity as he prepares to face KKR.\u201cFor me, domestic cricket is as important as any format. I always prioritise it. Even though I was born in Uttar Pradesh, Bengal is my \u2018karm bhoomi\u2019,\u201d he said.\u201cJab tak mere andar khelne ke liye jaan hai, mein Bengal ke liye kheloonga (as long as I have the strength and motivation, I will keep playing for Bengal).\u201d<\/p>\n Poll<\/p>\n Do you believe that home advantage significantly impacts a player’s performance?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Speaking about the conditions, Shami hinted at a subtle edge. \u201cYou always have that home advantage playing at Eden Gardens. You understand the pitch and conditions because you\u2019ve spent so much time there. If I play here against KKR, there will be some advantage for me being a \u2018local\u2019.\u201dWith KKR still searching for their first win of the season and LSG gaining momentum, Shami\u2019s return to Eden could well tilt the balance.<\/div>\n\n