Okay, it is without any doubt that Mohammed Shami is one of the best pacers in the world, and would be of great importance for any team in the IPL, but the biggest concern is his fitness. Yes, he has played in a Ranji Trophy match already for Bengal, vs MP, where he picked up seven wickets, and scored 39 runs, but that is not enough.
Mohammed Shami for GT?
Yes, there is are talks of him being part of the IND vs AUS series starting Nov 22, maybe from the 2nd Test, but the questions will still remain over his fitness. And come the IPL Auction, he could just be the most dangerous player to buy for any team. If teams do get in a bidding war for him, he will not go under INR 15 Cr, for the value he adds, but then it will be a big punt for sure.
Mohammed Shami has been injured since the World Cup 2023, and has missed all competitions since then. So, let’s assume he is fully fit now, and manages to play the at least four Tests in Australia, he would be at a risk of another injury. Tests is a later thing, the BCCI would want him to prove his fitness at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy too, starting on Nov 23.
Given, his body sustains the rigours of the Test matches, Team India would want him for the Champions Trophy too, if at all they play. There are question marks over India’s participation, but if the team plays, then Rohit Sharma would want him in the mix for sure. And then finally comes the IPL.
IPL Auction 2024
Let’s take a case where GT use an RTM for him, who have a purse of 69 Cr left, it would mean, they will have around 55 Cr for the rest of the 12 players for their team. And unfortunately, if Mohammed Shami picks up an injury mid-season, if would be a waste of resources for the team.
But having said that, he has been excellent in the IPL. In 33 matches for GT, he has picked up 48 wickets. In the 2023 season alone, he bagged 28 wickets. Overall, in 110 wickets he has claimed 127 wickets. So, he will still be on the radar for many teams.
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