The 34-year-old head coach of the Indian National Cricket Team, Mohammad Shami, has spoken about his return to action for the national team with the upcoming big test season.
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India are all set to play up to 10 Test matches in the next few months, starting with a two-match home series against Bangladesh and a three-match home series against New Zealand and New Zealand. then they will travel to Australia for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Mohammed Shami will be a key player for India in the upcoming matches as he along with Jasprit Bumrah form a deadly pace bowling duo that every team fears.
Shami is currently rehabilitating after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon injury in February 2024. Although he has started bowling in the nets, he is not expected to return anytime soon.
Mohammad Shami last seen in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 reportedly misses all test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand. And he is expected to make a direct comeback in international cricket against Australia in the high-tension Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
The Indian National Cricket Team is currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Points Table and the upcoming matches will decide whether the Men in Blue will play in their third consecutive WTC final, this time at Lord’s. .
Until I feel 100 percent fit, I won’t agree to come back regardless of format or opposition – Mohammad Shami
Mohammed Shami has now spoken about his possible return on the sidelines of Saturday’s event in Kolkata.
Shami said he is doing everything he can to return to the field soon, but added that he will only return when he feels fully fit as he does not want to risk re-injury.
“I’m trying to come back as soon as possible because I know I’ve been away for a long time. But I also want to make sure that there is no doubt in my mind when I return. The stronger I come back, the better for me and the less chance I have of re-injury.
“So it doesn’t matter whether I come back for Bangladesh, New Zealand or Australia series. I have already started bowling. But like I said, I don’t want to take any risk. I won until I feel 100 per cent fit. No matter the format or the opponent, I will come back. I don’t agree, if I have to play in the local form, I will even play it,” he said.
Mohammed Shami has also expressed his desire to play for Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy and will reportedly play a few matches to make his international comeback and prove his match fitness.
In total, Shami played 64 Test matches for the Indian National Cricket Team and scored 229 runs at an average of 27.71, an economy of 3.30 and a strike rate of 50.2.
