The decision to exclude Mohammed Shami from the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia indicates a serious blow to India’s bowling attack. Since his outstanding performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, the seasoned fast bowler hasn’t taken part in any competitive cricket matches. He is still recovering with an ankle issue that led to surgery in February earlier this year.
No Shami in BGT squad for India
The timing couldn’t be worse for Team India, as they prepare to face the mighty Aussies on their home turf later this year in November. Shami’s absence will be particularly felt given his extensive experience in Australian conditions and his remarkable form before the injury. Shami is a tailor-made pacer for conditions Down Under as he has claimed 31 wickets at a strike rate of 54.2 and an average of 32.16 across eight Tests in Australia.
The Indian fans still remember his outstanding World Cup 2023 campaign, where he emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in just 7 matches. While there were hopes of seeing Shami back in action during the ongoing New Zealand series, his recovery hasn’t progressed as expected.
The BCCI is understandably taking a cautious approach with the seasoned pacer’s return. Indian captain Rohit Sharma made it clear that he wasn’t keen on taking an “undercooked” Shami to Australia, clearly showing the preference of Shami’s health over anything.
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Despite positive signs, Shami still recovering
Despite these setbacks, there have been some encouraging signs. Recent videos have shown Shami bowling in the nets, and he was even spotted bowling to Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar after the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. However, match fitness is a different ball game altogether, and the team management isn’t willing to take any chances. In Shami’s absence, India’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep providing support. The squad also includes promising pacers like Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, who has got his maiden Test call-up. Additionally, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed have been named as reserve players, ensuring adequate backup options in Australia.
No IPL 2025?
What’s concerning is that Shami’s absence from the Indian side will extend beyond a year after the Border-Gavaskar series. This prolonged period away from international cricket brings up questions about the 33-year-old’s future. With younger pacers getting opportunities to prove themselves, Shami faces an uphill battle to reclaim his spot in the team. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery also puts his IPL 2025 participation in jeopardy. This also means the Gujarat Titans might not be wanting to retain him ahead of IPL 2025 retentions and thus Shami could enter the auctions. Given his importance to both the national team and his IPL franchise, all eyes will be on his rehabilitation process in the coming months.
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