Massive blow for India; Mohammed Shami doubtful for test series against South Africa - Reports

Mohammed Shami picked up 24 wickets in 7 games for India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

The leading wicket-taker of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, Mohammed Shami is doubtful for the two-match test series against South Africa. The battle between the two giants will begin on Boxing Day at Supersport Park in Centurion. Mohammed Shami is out of cricketing action since the World Cup final played at Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on 19th November. He is currently nursing an ankle injury. 

As per a few media reports, there’s a high possibility that Mohammed Shami may miss the upcoming two-match series and BCCI might soon announce a replacement for the right-arm pacer. The final batch including skipper Rohit Sharma and other members of the ODI and test squad will be leaving for South Africa on 15th December but Mohammed Shami will not be part of that contingent flying from India for a month-long tour. 

BCCI was aware about Mohammed Shami’s injury

BCCI were aware of Mohammed Shami’s fitness and injury but they picked him for the test series on a conditional basis. BCCI made the squad announcement for South Africa tour on 30th November. BCCI statement on Mohammed Shami stated, “Mr. Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment, and his availability is subject to fitness.” Mohammed Shami had been suffering from an ankle pain. 

It is also to be noted that Shami complained about ankle pain after the World Cup 2023. After missing the first few games, Mohammed Shami was a consistent performer for India in the mega event. Shami’s extra efforts paid him good deed and he ended up picking 24 wickets from 7 games. Shami finished the World Cup 2023 as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. Shami complained about the issue while landing on his right foot. 

Captain Rohit Sharma will be arriving in South Africa on Friday. Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Navdeep Saini, and Harshit Rana will also be travelling to South Africa on Friday. Over 75 players will be travelling to South Africa including India’s senior team, India A, and junior Indian sides, and one among them within India A will be announced as the replacement of Mohammed Shami.

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