The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday that Mohammed Shami will not be included in the Indian cricket squad for the final two Border Gavaskar Trophy Tests. In a press release, the BCCI stated that Shami has fully healed from his heel ailment. However, his left knee swelled after participating in the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.
As a result, the BCCI determined that his ‘knee required additional time for controlled exposure to bowling loads’ and hence would not be selected for the final two Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which is now tied at 1-1 after the first three Tests. The speedster bowled 43 overs in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in November. He played all nine games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
During SMAT he also did additional bowling sessions on the sidelines. To increase his bowling volume in preparation for the Test matches. The 34-year-old has not played international cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023. But has returned to domestic cricket to prove his fitness. India fought hard to clinch a draw in the rain-soaked third test in Brisbane. Shami will now continue to rehabilitate at the Centre of Excellence alongside the BCCI medical experts.
Indian Cricket’s Selection Drama
He will undergo “targeted strength and conditioning” to “build his bowling loads needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game”. Mohammed Shami’s participation in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy is contingent on the timeframe of his rehabilitation from this ailment. He has yet to play a match in this tournament. There was some anticipation among Indian supporters that he might be able to play a role in the Australia series.
After returning in time for Bengal. However, Shami faced niggles at different moments of his comeback and hasn’t played a game since December 11. The BCCI said in a statement, “The BCCI Medical Team at the Centre of Excellence has been working closely with Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami on his recovery and rehabilitation after his right heel surgery. Shami has completely recovered from this heel problem.”
