Indian cricket fans and pundits have been keenly following the progress of ace pacer Mohammed Shami, whose prolonged absence from the field has been a point of concern. The latest developments suggest that his hiatus is set to extend as he is on the mend from an ankle surgery performed in London back in February of this year. Shami’s challenges with his ankle are well-documented, and even during his last appearance for India in the ODI World Cup on home soil, he played through discomfort.
In a critical update that has sparked considerable interest, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah recently addressed the media in Dharamsala, revealing that Shami’s return to the squad could potentially align with India’s home series against Bangladesh in September. “Shami’s surgery is done, he is back in India. Shami’s return is likely for the home series against Bangladesh,” articulated Shah.
Though this timeline suggests a path back to international cricket for Shami, it also casts a shadow over his prospects of competing in the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for June. The gap in his return and the world tournament means he may well miss the esteemed global event. In parallel, Shah provided an update on KL Rahul’s injury, stating, “KL Rahul needed an injection, he has started rehab and is at the NCA,” emphasizing the ongoing management of other key player injuries.
Among those, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has also been a focal point, with Shah commenting on his steady progress. “He is batting well, he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very soon. If he can play in the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us. He is a big asset for us. If he can keep, he can play in the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL,” expressed Shah confidently about Pant’s imminent return.
Turning the spotlight back to Mohammed Shami, there were reports nearly three weeks ago anticipating the possibility that the seasoned pacer might not participate in the IPL 2024. Sources close to the BCCI disclosed that before his surgery, Shami traveled to London in the last week of January to receive special ankle injections, with the hope that he would be able to commence light running three weeks thereafter. Unfortunately, the course of treatment did not yield the expected results, pushing surgery as the only remaining option.
With an unwavering commitment to his recovery, Shami underwent surgery on February 26 and has since kept his fans updated through social media, sharing a glimpse into his post-operation journey from the hospital. “Just had a successful heel operation on my Achilles tendon! Recovery is going to take some time, but looking forward to getting back on my feet,” Shami quoted, encapsulating his determination to return to peak form.
The pictures resonated deeply with fans and teammates alike, eliciting a wave of support for the fast bowler known for his tenacity on the pitch. His recovery timeline is being closely monitored, not just by the BCCI officials, but by cricket enthusiasts who are eager to see one of their premier bowlers back in action, casting deliveries with his hallmark precision and pace.
As Shami’s healing process continues, the cricket community remains hopeful for a comeback that not only aligns with India’s cricket calendar but also leverages the pacer’s caliber to the fullest. While the missed opportunity at the T20 World Cup is a setback, the prospect of Shami donning the national colors once more is an eagerly awaited moment, indicative of the deep reservoir of talent that Indian cricket is keen to tap into once again.
