The Indian cricket team is currently ramping up preparations for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin next week. The team is training intensively in Chennai under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. However, the excitement surrounding the team is overshadowed by concerns over the fitness of star fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Despite efforts to recover from a prolonged injury, Shami’s return to full fitness is proving elusive, raising doubts about his participation shortly.
Shami’s Ongoing Injury Woes
Mohammed Shami has been sidelined from international cricket for nearly 10 months. The 34-year-old pacer, renowned for his match-winning performances, suffered a heel injury during the ODI World Cup last year. Although he continued playing through the pain and ended the tournament as the top wicket-taker, the injury has had a lasting impact. Following the World Cup, Shami underwent surgery in London in February and has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and at home.
Uncertainty Surrounds Shami’s Return
Recent reports indicate that Shami is unlikely to be fully fit in time for the Test series against New Zealand, which starts on October 16. This series, involving three Test matches, will see the New Zealand team touring India. Shami was initially expected to return to competitive cricket through the Ranji Trophy matches before this series. However, it now appears that this plan may not materialize as hoped. According to a Sportskeeda report, Shami may miss the entire New Zealand series and is more likely to return during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia.
Future Prospects and Team India’s Strategy
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will see India taking on Australia, is scheduled to commence in Perth on November 22. This series will be crucial for Team India as they will be touring Australia, where fast bowlers play a significant role. With Shami’s absence, the Indian team will rely heavily on their spinners in the Bangladesh and New Zealand series, which will be played on home turf. The spinners are expected to shoulder a greater workload in these matches.
Shami himself has acknowledged the importance of returning to full fitness before rejoining the team. During a recent event in Kolkata, he emphasized his commitment to ensuring that he is completely fit before making a comeback. Shami stated that he wants to eliminate any doubts about his fitness, as being in peak condition will reduce the risk of re-injury. He also mentioned that he plans to participate in some Ranji Trophy matches before the Australia tour to regain his match fitness.
Team India’s Options Without Shami
In Shami’s absence, the Indian team will need to look at alternative bowling options. Fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav will play crucial roles in the Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. These bowlers will need to step up to fill the void left by Shami and ensure that the team performs at its best.
As the Indian cricket team prepares for a busy schedule, the status of Mohammed Shami’s fitness remains a significant concern. The team’s management will have to navigate these challenges and make strategic decisions to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming series.
