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Mohammed Shami’s long and arduous journey back to fitness has been marked by both setbacks and triumphs. Just a day after India captain Rohit Sharma expressed concerns about Shami’s readiness for international cricket, the veteran bowler showcased his remarkable abilities in a thrilling performance during the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. This match not only underscored Shami’s potential return but also highlighted the pressing need for his inclusion in the Indian squad for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia.
Mohammed Shami’s stellar performance amidst doubts
In a crucial pre-quarterfinal match against Chandigarh at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Shami delivered an all-round performance that was nothing short of spectacular. Coming back from a significant injury layoff, he scored an unbeaten 32 off just 17 balls and later took one wicket for 25 runs in four overs, helping Bengal secure a narrow three-run victory. His explosive batting in the final over, where he hit two sixes and a four off Sandeep Sharma, demonstrated not only his fitness but also his readiness to contribute significantly to his team.
Shami’s probable comeback is particularly timely as India’s bowling attack has struggled in the ongoing series against Australia, with only Jasprit Bumrah showing consistent form. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is prioritizing Shami’s fitness as they aim to bolster their bowling line-up ahead of critical matches.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Rohit Sharma provides update on Mohammed Shami’s return in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Rohit Sharma’s cautious optimism over Shami
Rohit’s comments following India’s disappointing 10-wicket loss to Australia reflect both concern and hope regarding Shami’s condition. While acknowledging that Shami has faced challenges, including swelling in his knee during recent matches, Rohit emphasized the importance of ensuring that Shami is “more than 100% sure” before returning to international play. The captain’s cautious approach stems from a desire to avoid further injury setbacks for Shami, who has not played since the ODI World Cup final in November 2023.
“The door is very much open. We are just monitoring him because he got some swelling in the knee while playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali which obviously hampers his preparation to play a Test match. We don’t want to bring him here in a situation where he pulls up sore or something happens. We want to be more than 100 per cent sure with him because it’s been such a long time since he hasn’t played cricket,” Rohit stated in a press conference after the Pink Ball Test.
The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring Shami’s progress, with head Nitin Patel present at the Chinnaswamy Stadium to assess his performance firsthand. This scrutiny underscores the importance of Shami’s role within the team and the high stakes involved as India navigates through a challenging series against Australia.
As India prepare for their upcoming matches in Brisbane and Melbourne, the question remains whether Shami will be fit enough to join the squad. Reports suggest that while his fitness clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is pending, there is optimism that he could play a key role in the latter stages of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With his kit already dispatched to Australia and anticipation building among fans and analysts alike, Shami’s return could be pivotal for India’s chances in this fiercely contested series.
