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[Watch] When Mohammed Shami Dismantled South Africa With 5/28 In Johannesburg

image-lqkjg5dkMohammed Shami celebrating with teammates. (AP)

Ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, Team India faced a significant setback as their in-form fast bowler Mohammed Shami was ruled out due to an ankle injury. While initially named in the squad with fitness concerns marked by an asterisk, Shami was unable to recover in time from the injury sustained during the World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19.

The absence of Shami hammers a severe blow to the Indian team's aspirations of securing their inaugural Test series victory on South African soil. Shami, a key figure among India's premier fast bowlers, boasts an impressive record of 35 wickets from 8 Tests at a staggering average of 23.23.

In the last two tours to South Africa, Shami emerged as the standout performer with the ball. Particularly noteworthy was his exceptional performance in Johannesburg during the 2018 series. 

In the third Test, during the second innings, Shami wreaked havoc on the South African batting lineup, achieving his career-best figures of 5/28. This stellar performance played a pivotal role in India's win as they bowled out South Africa for 177 on the fourth day, securing a 63-run victory. 

The 33-year-old concluded the series as the joint-top wicket-taker, showcasing his ability to generate reverse swing and contribute significantly to India's victory. The absence of Shami, given his exceptional record in South Africa and current form, poses a significant setback for India as they strive for a historic Test series victory. 

His remarkable tally of 229 wickets from just 64 Tests, with an admirable average of 27.71, underscores his crucial role as the leading wicket-taker for the team during their previous tour to South Africa in 2021-22.

Team India is yet to secure a Test series win in South Africa. While they won the first Test during their last tour in 2021-22, they suffered defeat in the subsequent two Tests, resulting in a 1-2 series loss. The absence of Shami adds a layer of difficulty to India's quest for victory in South African conditions.