Veteran pace bowler Mohammed Shami’s fitness issues remain a concern, casting doubt on his availability for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) in Australia. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) is unlikely to clear Mohammed Shami for international duty unless he reaches full fitness.
Bengal’s campaign in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 ended with a quarterfinal loss against Baroda in Bengaluru. Shami had an underwhelming return as he works to regain form after a lengthy injury absence. He last played for the Men in Blue during the final match of the ODI World Cup 2023.
Mohammed Shami Included in Bengal Squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
Indian fans were hopeful Mohammed Shami would make his return to the national cricket team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. However, his comeback hasn’t gone exactly to plan, with limited participation in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 before the domestic season shifted to T20 cricket.
The National Cricket Academy is unlikely to clear Mohammed Shami for international cricket as his fitness remains a recurring concern. Meanwhile, Bengal has included him in their squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which starts in mid-December and coincides with the final stages of the BGT 2024-25 series.
Shami conceded 43 runs in his 4 overs in the loss to Baroda. This was the third time in the SMAT campaign that his economy rate exceeded 10. Overall, Shami took 11 wickets in nine games with an economy rate of 7.85, but he hasn’t displayed the usual wicket-taking ability he is known for.
Mohammed Shami in Plans for India’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Shami might be sidelined from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to focus on regaining his fitness through extended spells in domestic cricket. The NCA wants to prepare him for a potential comeback in the Champions Trophy scheduled for March 2025. He will be crucial for the key ICC 50-over tournament.
India will continue their tour of Australia without the services of Shami. The Rohit Sharma-led team aims to bounce back in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, starting on December 14. However, there are concerns about the fitness of star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series.
We Don’t Want to Bring Him Here in a Situation – Rohit Sharma
During a press conference in Adelaide, Rohit Sharma revealed that the team doesn’t want to risk pushing Shami to play if he’s not fully fit, as it could lead to further issues. He added that professionals are monitoring Shami’s condition and that they don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on him.
“We don’t want to bring him here in a situation and he plays and then he pulls up sore or something happens. We don’t want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. So, there are some professionals who are monitoring him,” Rohit Sharma said.
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