After not getting selected for Bangladesh tests, Mohammed Shami reveals his comeback date

Mohammed Shami has been out of action since last year’s ODI World Cup final.

Senior India fast bowler Mohammed Shami is not taking any risks by rushing himself back into action and will return only when he is 100% fit. The speedster said this recently at the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) annual awards ceremony.

The 34-year-old Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup 2023 final on November 19 in Ahmedabad, which India lost to Australia. Shami was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament despite playing the competition with pain in his ankle.

After the World Cup, he underwent ankle surgery in London and has since been rehabbing. He has missed all cricketing action so far this year and was omitted from the squad for the first test against Bangladesh as well.

I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return: Mohammed Shami

He is expected to return in the three-match test series against New Zealand, but the pacer will not rush himself back and risk getting injured again.

As quoted by PTI, Mohammed Shami said, “Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time). However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I’ve to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort.

“The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don’t want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the Australia series. I’ve already started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I am 100% fit.”

Mohammed Shami has been named in Bengal’s 31-member probables list for the upcoming domestic season. He could play either one or two of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches against UP (October 11) and Bihar (October 18).

He added, “If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will. What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format.”

India have a five-match test series in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy lined up later in this year, starting on November 22.

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