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A call on Mohammed Shami’s inclusion will be taken after the pacer proves his fitness in the Ranji Trophy
Mohammed Shami has been out of action from international cricket for 11 months. (PTI Photo)
The BCCI on Friday announced the squad for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy that didn’t include pacer Mohammad Shami. The right-arm quick has been out of action since featuring in the ICC World Cup 2023 final against Australia last year. He hoped for a Test comeback with the Australian tour but his absence suggests that the 34-year-old is yet to achieve full fitness.
However, there is still a chance for Shami. According to Indian Express, if the right arm quick could prove his fitness in the Ranji Trophy, a call his inclusion will be taken. He is expected to play for Bengal in the fourth round, against Karnataka in Bengaluru in the first week of November after Diwali.
In Shami’s absence, the selectors have strengthened the pace attack by adding young talents Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, who will aim to join Bumrah, Mohd Siraj, and Akash Deep in the Test series against Australia, which follows the current home series against New Zealand.
Fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed will serve as travelling reserves for the five-match series.
Shami has been pretty active on Instagram during his rehabilitation. On Saturday, he posted a video in which he could be seen undergoing an intense workout session under the supervision of a trainer. In a heartfelt note, the Indian pacer said he is trying his best to gain fitness and play domestic cricket to prepare himself to represent India again.
“Putting in my efforts and getting better with my bowling fitness day by day. Will continue working hard towards getting ready for the match and playing domestic red-ball cricket. Sorry to all cricket fans and BCCI too, but very soon I’m ready to play red-ball cricket, love you all,” Shami wrote on Instagram.
