Mohammed Shami is one of India’s premier pacers across formats. His role with Jasprit Bumrah is very vital in the Tests and ODIs. However, the pacer has been out of action for almost a year now.
He played his last international game when India faced Australia in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup in November 2023 at Narendra Modi Stadium. But since then, the veteran pacer has been out of the action.
He underwent surgery in February 2024 and is completing his rehab programmes at the NCA in Bengaluru. Shami has started bowling at the nets, but there is no official statement on his return to the Indian team.
Jay Shah confirms Mohammed Shami’s return in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia
Ahead of India’s Sri Lanka tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that they were working closely with Shami and he might return for India’s upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh, which starts on September 19. However, Mohammed Shami said in a launch event in Kolkata that he is not sure about his return.
However, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, has not shared a major update on Shami’s return. In an interaction on The Times of India, Shah said, “Mohammad Shami is expected to be fit. Your question about Shami is right… he will be there because he is experienced, and we need him in Australia.”
India are currently at the top of the ongoing World Test Championship 2023-25 table, and they are on way to play the third successive WTC final. But the upcoming Test series against Australia will be very important, as those five games can change the scenario of the WTC table.
India have won the last two Border-Gavaskar series played in Australia, but this time Australia will enter the series as favorites. India want to go with a full-strength team, which is why Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the upcoming Bangladesh series.
Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah make a deadly combo who have delivered consistently. Meanwhile, India will also try out a few other backup options in the coming Tests against New Zealand and Bangladesh at home. However, Shami, who is coming from an injury, will have to prove his match fitness, and he is likely to play a few games in the coming Ranji Trophy 2024-25.