The availability of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami remains unclear as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery. Shami will miss the Test series against Bangladesh and is also doubtful for the series against New Zealand. Despite being named in the probable list for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad, it’s uncertain whether he will participate in the matches.
Shami has been sidelined since the ODI World Cup final in 2023 and has been working hard at the National Cricket Academy to regain his fitness. Although he is making progress, it is unlikely he will be match-ready in time for the India vs. New Zealand Test series. Reports suggest he may also miss the Duleep Trophy games and the first Test against the Kiwis.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not rushing Shami’s return. The primary focus is ensuring he is fully fit for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia later this year. This series is highly anticipated as Australia is currently in second place in the World Test Championship standings.
The ideal plan would be for Shami to build his match fitness gradually in the Ranji Trophy, without rushing his return for the New Zealand Tests. This approach will help him be at peak performance for the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India will rely on him, along with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, to lead the pace attack against Australia.
