India's fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, is making significant strides in his recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him out of action since the ODI World Cup last November. The aim is for Shami to be fit for India's upcoming home season, which kicks off with a Test series against Bangladesh in September.
The selectors have been updated on Shami's progress, and a decision will soon be made on whether he should participate in at least one Duleep Trophy match, starting on September 5 in Anantapur, to demonstrate his fitness.
Shami is currently in the final stages of rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Last month, he resumed bowling for the first time since his surgery and has gradually increased his workload, reportedly without any pain. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed prior to India's tour of Sri Lanka in July that Shami had "started to bowl" and that the goal was always for him to return in time for the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on September 19 in Chennai.
Agarkar mentioned that the selectors are aware of the key players, including Shami, who are recovering from injuries, and they hope to have them back in action soon. He emphasised the importance of depth in the bowling lineup, especially with the number of upcoming Tests. Agarkar highlighted that while Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj are the established options, discussions about other players and their readiness will continue, with plenty of first-class cricket on the horizon.
In late July, Shami had expressed his desire to play for Bengal before rejoining the national team. He also participated in a few informal motivational and fitness sessions with state players in Kolkata.
Even if Shami misses some or all of the home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, there is still ample time for him to regain his form before India's tour of Australia, which begins shortly after the third Test against New Zealand concludes on November 5. The Ranji Trophy, starting in October, will provide Shami with more opportunities to build his bowling rhythm, alongside India's A team’s two first-class games in Australia from October 31.
Shami’s ankle injury, which surfaced soon after the 2023 ODI World Cup, was initially thought to be minor. He was included in India's Test squad for the two-match series in South Africa in December-January, subject to fitness, but was later withdrawn from the tour. Following continued swelling in his right ankle, Shami underwent surgery, causing him to miss the home Tests against England and the 2024 IPL season with Gujarat Titans.
Shami had been a crucial player in India’s run to the final of the ODI World Cup, where he claimed 24 wickets in just seven matches, with an impressive average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.20.