Bengaluru: The hopes of seeing Mohammed Shami back in action with Team India have taken another hit as the pacer has encountered another injury setback. Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team’s captain, has provided an update on Shami’s condition ahead of the Test series against New Zealand. According to Rohit, Shami’s recovery has been delayed due to unexpected swelling in his knee. This development raises doubts about whether Shami will be able to make it to the upcoming Test series against Australia.
Injury After Surgery Delays Shami’s Comeback
Shami underwent surgery earlier this year in London to treat an issue in his right Achilles tendon. Despite a successful surgery and ongoing rehabilitation, his latest injury — swelling in the knee — has forced a halt in his recovery. During the ODI World Cup 2023, Shami played a crucial role, taking 24 wickets in 7 matches, even though he was dealing with ankle pain at that time. His latest injury, however, has been more severe.
According to Rohit, “Shami was close to being match-fit, but now his knee is swollen again, which has delayed his return.” This means that his availability for the highly anticipated five-match Test series against Australia is now uncertain. Shami’s return has been further complicated by this latest setback, as he will have to start the rehabilitation process from scratch.
Team India Focuses on 100% Fitness for Shami
The Indian team management is prioritizing Shami’s complete recovery before considering him for selection. Currently, Shami is under the supervision of the doctors and physiotherapists at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. “We want him to be 100% fit before he joins the squad,” Rohit mentioned during the press conference. “Taking a player with incomplete preparation could hurt both the team and the player.”
Rohit further added that Shami, being a fast bowler, needs time to regain his form, especially after being away from competitive cricket for over a year. Shami’s injury recovery journey has been slow, and Rohit emphasized the importance of patience, stating, “He will need to play a few matches before returning to international cricket. We cannot rush him back into the team without ensuring he’s fully ready.”
A Setback Before Australia Tour
This injury is a major blow for Team India, as Shami was expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Australia tour. The five-match Test series is crucial for India’s standings in the World Test Championship (WTC). India still has 8 Tests left in this WTC cycle, and Shami’s experience and skill would have been valuable in the challenging Australian conditions.
The Indian captain also stated that after the New Zealand series, the team management will reassess Shami’s condition and determine whether he will be able to take part in the Australia series. “Physios and trainers have set a roadmap for him, and once he plays a few matches, we will decide his role for the series,” Rohit concluded.
Shami’s Road to Recovery
Shami, who hasn’t played international cricket since the ODI World Cup, faces a tough road ahead. The injury has significantly delayed his comeback plans, but both the team management and medical staff are focused on ensuring he gets back to full fitness without taking any risks. Only time will tell when this key fast bowler will be able to return to international cricket and contribute to the Indian team once again.
