The Indian cricket fraternity is eagerly waiting for Mohammad Shami’s return to international cricket. The right-arm pacer has not worn the Indian jersey since November 19, 2023, when he represented the team in the ODI World Cup final against Australia.
Right after the World Cup, the fast bowler was sidelined due to an ankle injury. He also had to undergo surgery and was unable to play competitive cricket for a year. Mohammed Shami finally returned to competitive cricket when he came for Bengal in domestic cricket in November last year.
He is now gearing up for his long-awaited return to international cricket. The big fast bowler has been included in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. He has also been included in the squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy.
Also read: ‘Mohammed Shami is back…’: Axar Patel makes a big statement
While only time will tell how things will unfold in the coming days, Mohammed Shami’s Bengal teammate Anustup Majumdar has issued a timely warning for those expecting the speedster to hit the ground running. Majumdar said in his last interview that although Shami has looked sharp in recent days, it is unlikely that he will be at his best in the near future.
Majumdar, however, said Shami has plenty of time to regain his best form ahead of the Champions Trophy. He said the upcoming series against England will be crucial for Shami to hit his best pace.
“I think it may take some time to get Shami in full swing like we’re used to seeing at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. He has time to get into that zone and fitness before the Champions Trophy and that England series will be very important.” you have to understand that he has always been a very different bowler with his line, length, swing and pace,” he said.
Anustup Majumdar on Mohammad Shami’s form:
Having witnessed Mohammad Shami’s return to competitive cricket up close, Majumdar spoke about his teammate’s form. He said Shami looked sharp when he played the Vijay Hazare Trophy game against Haryana earlier this month. Shami collected 3 wickets in that game.
“The name Shami has an impact in itself. There was a long gap between his first match in the Ranji Trophy last year (in November) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Haryana in the New Year.
“His bowling has improved while playing these matches. I felt the pace has increased and he is bowling a sharper length. Physically, he looks in good shape with a lean frame. He had the class of delivery that cleaned up Rajat Patidar in the Ranji match at Indore. written on the side”, said Majumdar.
India will hope that Shami regains his best form soon. With uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from the Champions Trophy due to injury, Shami is expected to lead India’s pace attack in the marquee event.
