Injury Setback For India As Mohammed Shami Set To Miss Australia Series
Mohammed Shami has suffered another injury setback (Source: @sujeetsuman1991/X.com)
Mohammed Shami's bid to return to competitive cricket has hit a significant setback. According to a report from the Times of India, the fast bowler developed a swollen knee while undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He is likely to be out of action for another six to eight weeks and looks set to miss the all-important five-match Test series against Australia.
The fast bowler was set to play for Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy and was in line to make his international comeback in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. He started bowling in full tilt in NCA and seemed to have entirely recovered after his surgery in February 2024 to repair his Achilles Tendon. However, Shami has a history of knee injuries, and the latest setback would further delay his return.
Mohammed Shami To Not Play Champions Trophy 2025?
Mohammed Shami last played for India in the 2023 World Cup, and though he was expected to play the Test series against South Africa later that year, he was subsequently ruled out, and has been undergoing rehabilitation since then. The 34-year-old Shami is an important asset for India, especially in Test cricket and he was expected to play a big role for India on the Australian shore with his skills and experience. He might now miss the entire 2024 and could be seen in action in 2025.
Also, Shami's future in white-ball cricket is uncertain, with a string of injuries hampering his progress. Given his importance in the format, he is reported to be preferred for red-ball cricket from now on and might not be part of the Champions Trophy squad, a tournament that is scheduled to start in February 2025.