IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma reveals why Mohammed Shami isn't selected for the test series

Mohammed Shami will miss the home test series against New Zealand.

India are set to face New Zealand in the three-match test series starting from October 16 in Bengaluru. However, while the Indian team gears up for the first test, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has provided an important update on Mohammed Shami’s fitness, raising concerns over his availability not only for the New Zealand series, but also for the tour of Australia. 

Shami, who has been a key part of the Indian test bowling setup, was set to return from a long-term injury. But, Rohit confirmed that Shami has suffered a new setback, which has further delayed his recovery and return.

Mohammed Shami’s injury setback

Mohammed Shami last played for India in the ODI World Cup final last year, where he ended the tournament with 24 wickets to his name. Shami’s excellent performance in the World Cup came when the speedster was going through immense pain, taking injections to manage his ankle injury.

Mohammed Shami was set to return to the Indian team after undergoing surgery in London. However, swelling on his knee recently has changed the plans for Shami, with the Indian quick currently rehabilitating at the NCA.

On the eve of first test between India and New Zealand, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said, “Right now, he is at NCA – he is working with the physios, [and] the doctors at NCA, We are keeping our fingers crossed. We want him to be fit; we want him to be 100%. More than anything else, we don’t want to bring an undercooked Shami to Australia. That is not going to be the right decision for us.“

With the fast bowler missing out action for nearly a year, Rohit highlighted how difficult it would be for Shami to return to international cricket straight away without match practice.

“He has not played any cricket for over a year. It is quite tough for a fast bowler to have missed so much of cricket and then suddenly to come out and be at his best. It is not ideal. We want to give him enough time to recover, and be 100% fit.” Rohit added.

India won’t rush Shami’s comeback

Rohit further clarified that though Shami is trying to recover, the team will not rush his comeback. The management prefers him to be 100 percent fit before he is picked for any international match

“The physios, the trainers, [and] the doctors have set a roadmap for him. He is supposed to play a couple of games before he plays international cricket. We will see where he is at after this New Zealand series, and then take a call at what stage of Australia [series] he will be fit for us,” Rohit concluded.

India have to be play eight more test matches in the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which consists of the three match home series against New Zealand and the tour of Australia later in November.

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