Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has revealed that he only eats once per day to keep his weight in check. He said that he has dropped 9 kg during his rehabilitation process over the last 14 months.
After his stellar performance against Bangladesh in India’s Champions Trophy opener match, Shami was asked about his diet plan and how he managed to reduce his weight during his injury layoff.
Speaking on the media, the pacer explained that since 2015, he has skipped both breakfast and lunch every day, only eating dinner.
He also added that during his injury layoff at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. His response came after former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu joked that Shami must have lost 5-6 kilograms of weight in the last year.
Shami interrupted Sidhu and said, “Paaji, 9 kg giraya hai (I have lost nine kilograms).”
The pacer explained that during his rehabilitation process, his weight had reached nearly 90 kilograms, and he had to work hard to bring it down. He added that he is not an avid eater and doesn’t have many cravings in the first place.
“The most difficult part is challenging yourself. When I was at the NCA, my weight was close to 90 kg. I don’t crave unhealthy food. I stay away from sweets,” Shami said.
Bengal bowling coach Shiv Sunder Das mentioned that Mohammed Shami had to give up his beloved briyani during his comeback. Shami played several matches for Bengal in domestic circuit during the 2024-25 season before returning to the India team
“He was on a strict diet. I saw him eating only one meal a day. He loves having biryani, but I haven’t seen him indulge in it in the last two months since he returned to action,” Das said in January 2025.
Mohammed Shami also confirmed this but added that occasionally he does break his strick diet routine and enjoys briyani.
“And since you’re talking about biryani, yaar kabhi kabhi cheat meal chalta hai (Once in a while, you can have that cheat meal),” Shami laughed.
“Since 2015, I’ve only eaten once a day. I’ve skipped breakfast and lunch all these years. I only eat dinner. It’s a difficult thing to do, but once you get used to it, it becomes easy,” concluded the India pacer.
He will is anticipated to play crucial role in upcoming clash against arch rivals Pakistan on February 23 at Dubai International Stadium.
