In a big blow to Gujarat Titans, Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Source privy to the development confirmed Sports Tak that Shami will have to sit out of the IPL 2024 due to left ankle injury which would require a surgery in London.
No Mohammed Shami in IPL 2024
“Shami needs surgery when the last time he was in london he was given some injections but those injection didn't worked so now he will undergo surgery. As of now it seems that he will miss IPL. Once he is back in UK will be able to tell you more on him”, the top source from BCCI told Sports Tak.
Shami's absence, a big blow for Gujarat Titans
Shami spearheaded the pace bowling for Gujarat Titans, marking a notable setback for the team, especially after they parted ways with their former captain Hardik Pandya. The Indian all-rounder, who captained GT in its first two seasons, has joined Mumbai Indians and will captain them in the IPL 2024. Meanwhile, GT will enter the competition under the new leadership of Shubman Gill.
Since joining the league in 2022, GT have shown outstanding performance. They clinched the championship in their debut season and nearly retained their title the following year, finishing as runners-up to MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings in a nail-biting final.
Shami has been a key player in GT's achievements, taking 20 wickets in 2022 and improving his tally with 28 wickets at an average of 18.64 in IPL 2023, showcasing his prowess especially with the new ball.
While GT has not made an official statement, they are eligible to select a replacement for Shami (whose base price does not exceed Shami's) from the pool of players who remained unsold at the IPL auction in December.
India without Shami in ongoing Test series vs England
The 33-year-old, currently absent from the ongoing Test series against England, last represented India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November.
Shami, a key figure in India's impressive ODI World Cup 2023 campaign with 24 wickets, competed despite discomfort due to issues with his landing, yet this did not deter his performance. Recently honored with the Arjuna Award, Shami boasts a career tally of 229 wickets in Tests, 195 in ODIs, and 24 in T20Is over a span of ten years.
This situation casts doubt on the effectiveness of the National Cricket Academy (NCA)'s injury recovery plan for Shami. Given these circumstances, it appears highly unlikely that the Mohammed Shami will return in time for India's upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand in October-November.
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