Mohammed Shami is fit, according to India's new batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, but the captain and head coach will decide whether or not he plays in the remaining matches of the T20I series against England. Shami, who last represented India in the November 2023 ODI World Cup final, has been picked for the Champions Trophy, the three ODIs, and the current five-match T20I series.
Concerns regarding Shami's fitness were sparked by his exclusion from the first two T20 Internationals, but Kotak confirmed that the seasoned bowler had no fitness issues. On the eve of the third T20I, Kotak told the media, "Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer"
Kotak on Shami
Kotak also stated that head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav will be in charge of overseeing Shami's workload in the lead-up to important occasions, such as the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
"There is definitely a plan (for Shami) for coming matches as well and ODIs, but the coach Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call. And fitness, definitely not a problem depending on how they are planning to build this load," Kotak added.
In February of last year, Shami had surgery on her ankle. Despite playing in the shorter formats of domestic cricket, he was unable to reach full fitness in time to be included in India's Test squad for the series against Australia. The Indian team management is giving Mohammed Shami priority for the 50-over format, and Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the Champions Trophy would depend on how fit he is. Everyone concerned is really impressed with Shami's recuperation and his attempts to get fit for matches again.
The management, however, views his contribution to the squad as a long-term strength. They are therefore focused on employing him sparingly to minimize the chance of harm or a circumstance like Bumrah's. Shami is therefore anticipated to have little to no involvement in the T20Is. Fans may anticipate Shami's full comeback, though, once the ODIs start.