India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami is making significant strides in his recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him out of action since the ODI World Cup last November. Shami, currently undergoing the final phase of rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, is being closely monitored by the selectors, with the hope that he will be fit to participate in India’s upcoming home season, starting with a Test series against Bangladesh in September.
Shami, who resumed bowling last month after undergoing surgery, has been gradually increasing his bowling workload without experiencing any pain. This development has raised hopes that he might be able to feature in the domestic Duleep Trophy, starting on September 5 in Anantapur, as a fitness test before the Test series.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had previously confirmed that Shami had begun bowling again and that the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled for September 19 in Chennai, was being targeted for his return. Agarkar emphasized the importance of having Shami, along with other key fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, available for India’s busy Test schedule ahead.
Last month in Kolkata, Shami expressed his desire to play for Bengal in domestic cricket before making his comeback to the national team. During his time in Kolkata, he also participated in a few informal motivational and fitness sessions with the Bengal players, sharing his experience and insights.
Even if Shami is unable to participate in some or all of India’s home Tests, which include two matches against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand, he still has ample time to regain his form and rhythm before the tour of Australia later in the year. The Ranji Trophy, which begins in October, and India’s A team matches in Australia, scheduled from October 31, offer additional opportunities for Shami to fine-tune his bowling.
Shami’s ankle injury, which first emerged after the 2023 ODI World Cup, was initially thought to be minor. He was included in India’s Test squad for the series in South Africa in December-January, contingent upon his fitness, but was later withdrawn from the tour. Despite his efforts to recover in time for the home Tests against England in February-March, continuous swelling in his right ankle led to a recommendation for surgery. Consequently, Shami missed both the Test series and the 2024 IPL season, where he was set to represent Gujarat Titans.
Shami played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final of the ODI World Cup, capturing 24 wickets in just seven matches at an outstanding average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.20. His return to full fitness will be crucial for India’s upcoming assignments, both at home and abroad.
