By The Indian team management is carefully monitoring Mohammed Shami’s recovery, with a clear focus on having the fast bowler fully fit and ready for the Test series against Australia later this year. Following an ankle surgery in February, Shami’s rehabilitation is progressing well, but his return to competitive cricket is being managed cautiously. While there was hope for his participation in the upcoming Bangladesh series, it seems increasingly unlikely as the team prioritizes his long-term fitness, particularly for the crucial Test tour of Australia.
Shami’s rehabilitation program has been on track, yet his comeback will not be rushed. The primary goal is to have the 33-year-old in peak condition for the five-match Test series in Australia. Though the Bangladesh series at home next month was initially considered a possibility, Shami is expected to target the Ranji Trophy opener on October 11 as a more realistic comeback date. This timeline would allow him to return during the second or third Test against New Zealand, which follows the Bangladesh series. Alternatively, there is also consideration of sending Shami to Australia with the India A team to play two four-day matches starting on October 31 and November 7, which could serve as an ideal lead-up to the Australia tour.
shami’s comback
Having sustained an ankle injury last year, Shami has been out of competitive cricket since the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. After months of rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, he underwent surgery in February. As the six-month mark since the surgery approaches, Shami is focused on regaining his endurance with an eye on the Australia tour. Although he resumed bowling at the NCA recently, Shami was not included in the Duleep Trophy squads as he is still working towards full fitness.
A meticulous plan, similar to the one implemented for Jasprit Bumrah, has been devised for Shami’s return. Despite Shami’s injury being less severe than Bumrah’s, his extended absence from the game requires a gradual increase in his workload. Sources close to the team management have emphasized the need to reintegrate Shami into competitive cricket smoothly, with the ultimate goal being his readiness for the Australia tour. Unlike Bumrah’s return through limited-overs cricket, Shami’s preparation involves gearing up for the demands of Test cricket, where long spells will test his endurance and fitness.
As Shami continues to rebuild his strength and stamina, the focus remains firmly on the Australia tour. The team is taking a step-by-step approach to ensure that Shami is fully prepared to contribute to the Test series. His progress will be monitored closely, with practice matches and gradual workload increases forming key components of his comeback plan. The management’s priority is clear: a fit and firing Shami for the crucial Test series in Australia.
