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The return of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami to the national team remains uncertain as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. While he is making progress in his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), India's captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed doubts about Shami's readiness for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The five-match Test series is scheduled to take place from November 2024 to January 2025, and Shami's participation is a critical factor for the Indian team.
Shami's last appearance for India was during the 2023 ODI World Cup final on November 19. He has been sidelined since then due to the injury, undergoing surgery earlier this year. Despite his time away from the field, Shami's recent progress is promising. Videos circulating on social media show him bowling at full tilt during practice sessions at the NCA, supervised by India's bowling coach Morne Morkel. This positive development has raised hopes of Shami's potential return to the team.
However, Rohit Sharma's comments suggest that India's management remains cautious about pushing Shami too soon. The captain acknowledged the possibility of Shami being deemed 'undercooked' for the Australian tour, given the lengthy absence from competitive cricket. He explained that while Shami was initially on track for a full recovery, a setback involving knee swelling forced him to restart his rehabilitation process. While Shami is currently working with specialists at the NCA, Sharma stated that the team's priority is to ensure he is fully prepared before returning to international cricket.
The decision regarding Shami's inclusion in the Australian tour will ultimately depend on his progress in the coming weeks. If he continues to recover well and demonstrate sufficient fitness, he could become a valuable asset for India in the demanding conditions Down Under. However, the team's cautious approach reflects the importance of ensuring that his return is not rushed, potentially jeopardizing his long-term health and performance.
Source: Recovering Mohammed Shami Bowls In Full Tilt At Nets Days After Rohit Sharma's "Undercooked" Remark