Indian speedster Mohammed Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup 2023 final where he ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker picking 24 wickets in seven matches. The speedster underwent ankle surgery just after the marquee event happened in India and that led him out from the cricketing action.
Shami was supposed to be part of India's squad for the New Zealand Test series but the speedster was unable to make it as Men in Blue featured with two pacers. There were rumours that the speedster missed the spot due to swelling in his knees and he will miss the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Later, the speedster bashed all the rumours.
Soon after the reports, India captain Rohit Sharma revealed that he had swelling in his knees which has affected his rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained last year.
However, in the exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Shami said that his knees are very good and he stopped practising to be extra cautious ahead of the upcoming season.
"It is very good now. I stopped it for a week. Because I am also scared sometimes. That there is an operation leg, an operation point. That I don't react. Because of the dryness, my front foot loads more. So I don't want any problem in this. That's why we stepped back. We can see a little bit, but it's not that much. The person was less and the market was more. So I don't want more than this. We need confirmation, that's important" said Shami.
Shami will most likely to make his cricketing comeback featuring for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. India is set to depart for Australia two weeks prior to the series opener in Perth on November 22, giving Shami just enough opportunity to participate in two Ranji matches for Bengal.
The speedster will be a vital cog for India in Australia considering his experience and previous records. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to kick off on November 22. The second Test will take place in Adelaide starting December 6, followed by the third Test at the Gabba on December 14. The fourth Test is scheduled for December 26 at the MCG, and the series will conclude with the final Test at the SCG on January 3.
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