India's pace spearhead, Mohammed Shami, is on the path to reclaiming his spot in the national team. The fast bowler underwent Achilles tendon surgery a few months ago, sidelining him from international cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023 final.
Mohammed Shami's Road to Recovery
Shami's recovery has been a gradual process. While initially eyeing a return for the home Test series against Bangladesh, the pacer has opted to regain match fitness through domestic cricket before donning the India jersey once again. This decision aligns with the BCCI's emphasis on domestic cricket as a prerequisite for national selection.
With the Bangladesh series approaching, Shami's availability remains uncertain, and his performance in domestic cricket will be crucial in determining his comeback timeline.
Shami's Domestic Comeback, to feature in Duleep Trophy
Mohammed Shami is steadily progressing in his recovery from injury and is eyeing a return to competitive cricket. The upcoming Duleep Trophy, scheduled from September 5 to 22, is being considered as a potential platform for his comeback. The pacer has already commenced bowling practice at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, a crucial step in his rehabilitation process.
During a recent felicitation ceremony, Shami expressed his intent to represent Bengal in domestic cricket before making a comeback to the Indian team. His participation in the Duleep Trophy, representing the East Zone, is contingent upon his fitness levels. As he continues to regain match fitness, the cricketing world eagerly awaits his return to the international stage.
"It's difficult to say when I will be back. I am trying hard, but hopefully you will get to see me in Bengal colors before I don the India jersey again. I will come to play two-three matches for Bengal and will come fully prepared for it," Shami said during the felicitation ceremony.
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BCCI's Stance on Domestic Cricket
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has adopted a stringent policy requiring Indian international players to participate in domestic cricket before making a comeback to the national team. This mandate is aimed at ensuring players are match-ready and in peak physical condition.
A prime example of this policy is wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan, who took a break from cricket due to mental fatigue. Upon his return, the selectors emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for his reintegration into the Indian team. However, Kishan prioritized the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading to his exclusion from the BCCI's central contracts list.
The case of Mohammed Shami highlights the BCCI's proactive approach to player management. Despite playing through a knee injury during the World Cup, the severity of the issue became apparent, prompting medical advice for immediate action. This incident underscores the board's commitment to player welfare and the importance of adhering to expert medical guidance.
"We never thought the injury would be this serious. The plan was to address it after the T20 World Cup since we had the IPL and the ICC T20 mega event coming almost back-to-back after last year's World Cup," Shami added.
"But it turned worse during the ODI World Cup itself and I also did not find it right to risk playing on with it. Even the doctors could not fathom that the injury will take such a serious turn and will take so much time to heal," he concluded.
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