In a massive jolt to Team India right ahead of their T20I series against Australia, star pacer Mohammed Shami has been tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday (September 17).
BCCI medical team will take call on his participation in series against australia as per his health status.
A positive test for the infection means he has not been able to reach Mohali which is the venue for the first of the three-match series. While there has not yet been an official confirmation from the BCCI, the same has been confirmed in a report carried by Cricbuzz.
Shami didn't also participate in just-concluded Asia Cup 2022.
The three-match T20 series between Indian and Australia is slated to kick from September 20.
"Yes, Shami has tested COVID-19 positive. But there is nothing to worry as the symptoms are mild. But he will have to remain in isolation and will be able to rejoin the squad once he tests negative. It is unfortunate but that is how life is," a senior BCCI source said on conditions of anonymity.
Mohammed Shami, who was not picked in the main T20 World Cup, was named in the squad to play a T20I for India after a long time, during the home series against Australia and South Africa.
He last played a T20I in the Twenty20 World Cup in the UAE, almost a year ago when he had finished with an underwhelming six for 140 in five games and a tournament economy rate of 8.84 in those games.
The Indian team is scheduled to fly to Australia on October 6 after the last home T20I against South Africa on October 4 in Indore. The World Cup in Australia is from October 16 to November 13.
India Squad for Australia T20Is: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, R. Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohd. Shami, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.
