The cloud of uncertainty regarding the availability of Mohammed Shami continues. The ace Indian pacer would be missing out on the IND vs BAN Test series. And now there are major doubts regarding his participation in the IND vs NZ Test series as well. Despite being named in the 31 probable list in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy, it remains to be seen if Shami plays or not. This is all done to make the speedster fit for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December.
Mohammed Shami has been missing action since the ODI World Cup final 2023. The highest wicket taker of the World Cup underwent a surgery on his ankle and is recovering from the same. While he is practicing hard at the NCA, there is still some time before he will be match fit.
And this means he will miss both the Duleep Trophy and the India vs Bangladesh Test series. Previously reports emerged that Shami would play at least one match in the Ranji Trophy. But that meant he won’t make it in time for the IND vs NZ 1st Test. And now reports claim that there is a high chance that Shami can miss the three-match Test series against the Kiwis as well.
But there is no panic in the Indian Cricket Team. The BCCI wants the pacer to be fit in time and raring to go against the Aussies as they own den. The prime focus for Team India is the India vs Australia Test series, slated to take place later this year. And with Australia in second spot in the WTC standings, it will be an epic clash between the giants.
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The ideal scenario would be that Shami builds on his match fitness in the coming days. Rather than risking him in the IND vs NZ Test series, it would be intelligent for Shami to get match time and build his fitness in the two opening encounters in the Ranji Trophy.
Following which Shami will be expected to hit full throttle when Indian travels to Down under. Team India will be banking on the pace department of Shami, Bumrah and Siraj to be in their very best of form as two sides meet head to head in the mega Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
