October 15, 2024: “India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, gave an update regarding the injury status of star fast bowler Mohammed Shami ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, which starts on Thursday in Bengaluru.
Shami’s fitness remains uncertain, particularly for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Rohit explained, “To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for the Australia series. He had a setback with swelling in his knees, which delayed his recovery. He is currently at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don’t want to bring an undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed.”
The captain highlighted the importance of Shami’s full recovery before returning to international cricket.
“He was in the process of getting fit, getting close to 100 per cent, he had swelling in his knee, that put him back a little bit in his recovery. So, he had to start again. Right now, he’s at NCA, he’s working with the physios and the doctors at NCA,” Rohit added.
Rohit reiterated the team management’s priority for Shami to be completely fit before rejoining the national team.
“We want him to be 100 per cent fit. Bringing an undercooked Shami to Australia would not be the right decision for us. It is quite tough for a fast bowler, having missed so much of cricket, and then suddenly to come out and be at his best, it is not ideal,” Rohit added.
The captain highlighted the challenges of Shami returning too soon, noting that it is especially tough for fast bowlers to regain their rhythm after missing significant time due to injury. “We want him to be 100 per cent fit. Bringing an undercooked Shami to Australia would not be the right decision for us,” Rohit said, underscoring the team’s priority to have him fully ready before rejoining international cricket.
Shami is expected to participate in a few practice games before being considered for selection again, with a decision on his potential involvement in the Australia series to be made following the conclusion of the New Zealand series.
