Mohammed Shami injured again? India batting coach provides colossal update ahead of third IND vs ENG T20I
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has provided a huge fitness update on Mohammed Shami ahead of the third T20I against England. He rubbished off all the rumours of the pacer getting injured and added that calls related to him playing will be taken by the captain and coach.
Mohammed Shami has been keeping many wondering about his fitness even though he is part of the Indian team for the ongoing T20I series against England. He didn't play in the first match and it raised many speculations that he again has been injured ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Mohammed Shami, who has been out of action since the 2023 World Cup final, made a return to cricket after an ankle injury in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. He played one game in the red-ball format and then played the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, he developed swelling in his knee, which was a blow.
Mohammed Shami was even ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, and then BCCI added him to the team for the T20I series against England. This was because they wanted the pacer to be fit completely and get into rhythm ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will begin on 19th February.
Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer - India batting coach
With Mohammed Shami not playing the first two games of the T20I series against England raising speculations over his injury, India's batting coach has provided an update. He said that the fast bowler has no injury concerns and is fit. Speaking to reporters, he said:
"Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer."
Sitanshu Kotak revealed that BCCI has kept a separate plan for Mohammed Shami and added that calls related to his inclusion in the XI will be taken by Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav. He added:
"There is definitely a plan (for Shami) for coming matches as well and One-dayers, but the coach Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call. And fitness, definitely not a problem depending on how they are planning to build this load."
India are 2-0 ahead in the five-match T20I series against England. The third match of the series will be played on Tuesday (28th January) in Rajkot.
