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The future of star Indian pacer Mohammad Shami in the Indian Premier League (IPL) hangs in the balance, with former cricketer Aakash Chopra predicting that Gujarat Titans may release him ahead of the upcoming mega auction. Shami has been sidelined from competitive cricket since last year's ODI World Cup final, undergoing surgery for an ankle injury in February. While he hopes to return to fitness for the Border Gavaskar Trophy in November, Chopra believes his recent injury history could impact his IPL prospects.
Chopra argues that Shami's injury concerns might deter Gujarat Titans from retaining him, despite his impressive performance last year. He picked up 28 wickets for the franchise, claiming the purple cap. However, with each team allowed to retain a maximum of six players, Chopra emphasizes that GT should prioritize other players like Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and Sai Sudharsan.
Chopra believes that GT may not be willing to pay a substantial sum for Shami, considering his age and injury history. He suggests that releasing Shami and signing him back at a lower price (around Rs 6-8 crore) would be a more financially viable option for the franchise. This approach could potentially free up resources for other players, while still allowing GT to retain Shami's services.
Shami, however, has denied reports of a knee injury that could delay his return to the Australian tour. He vehemently refuted these claims, calling them 'baseless rumours'. He reassured fans of his commitment to recovery, stating that he is working hard to return to full fitness. To gain match fitness, he has been selected to represent Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, scheduled to start on October 11.
The Gujarat Titans, with their focus on retaining key players like Gill, Khan, and Sudharsan, face a crucial decision regarding Shami's future. While his talent and experience remain undeniable, his recent injury concerns could significantly influence the franchise's strategy ahead of the mega auction. The upcoming Ranji Trophy will provide a crucial platform for Shami to showcase his fitness and prove his value to potential IPL bidders.