(Source X)
After a lengthy and challenging recovery period of over nine months, the pacer is targeting a return as early as September.
India’s premier fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, has been out of action since the World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury. He was the top wicket-taker in the tournament, famously claiming 7 wickets against New Zealand in the semi-final, marking the best figures for an Indian pacer in World Cup history. After a grueling recovery period of over nine months, Shami is now aiming for a return as early as September.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Shami may need to participate in the Duleep Trophy to demonstrate his match fitness before making his international comeback, which could coincide with the Test series against Bangladesh scheduled for September. Currently, Shami is at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where he is in the final stages of his rehabilitation. Reports indicate significant progress in his recovery, as confirmed by Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the All India Men’s Senior Selection Committee.
“We more or less know who the guys are, there are some injuries at the moment and hope they will be back up. Shami has started to bowl which is a good sign. September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal. I don’t know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that,” Agarkar told before the tour to Sri Lanka in a press conference.
“There are so many Tests coming. We will need some depth. Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, these are the obvious ones. But there will be some conversation around it. Got a lot of first-class cricket coming up so we can build guys up like that,” he added.
Shami has plenty of red-ball games before comeback
Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh-born pacer has expressed his intention to play first-class cricket for Bengal before returning to the international stage. He has also participated in various motivational and fitness sessions for state players. The Ranji Trophy is set to begin in October, and the Indian team is preparing for the important Border-Gavaskar Trophy series during their tour of Australia in November.
