The Bengal cricket team is all set to commence its Ranji Trophy season without the services of the seasoned Mohammed Shami. The veteran pacer is currently recovering from an ankle injury at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and is yet to make his return to competitive cricket. Shami has been out of action since the conclusion of the ODI World Cup and underwent a surgery earlier this year. Bengal will commence their Ranji campaign on October 11 as they take on Uttar Pradesh in the tournament opener.
No Shami for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener
As per Rev Sportz, Mohammed Shami’s name has not been included in the squad that was announced by the Cricket Association of Bengal for the first two Ranji Trophy matches. The bowler had earlier expressed his interest to play at least a couple of domestic games for the side before he makes his comeback to the Indian Test side. Bengal will turn to young quicks like Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar to spearhead the attack in the absence of the veteran.
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Shami recently rubbished reports of developing a swelling in his knees while he was in rehab at the NCA. He took to social media platform X to clarify that he was not injured once again and was putting in efforts to make a return soon.
While there were initial hopes of him being ready for the Bangladesh Test series, which India won 2-0, the focus has now shifted to the New Zealand series. “Shami’s rehab is very much on track,” a senior BCCI official told the Times of India. “New Zealand Tests are being kept as a realistic target. He is under watchful eyes of BCCI specialists and making very good progress.“