Mohammed Shami likely to miss India vs Bangladesh tests as he focuses on Bengal Ranji Return
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been sidelined since November 2023, is expected to return to action soon. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has included him in the list of probables for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. However, Shami’s match fitness remains a concern, as he hasn’t played any domestic or international cricket since his last appearance in November.
Shami has been training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, working to regain his peak fitness. His inclusion in Bengal’s 31-member probable squad for the Ranji Trophy suggests that he could play in Bengal’s match against Uttar Pradesh on October 11. However, this also indicates that Shami is likely to miss the India vs Bangladesh Test series, which begins on September 19 in Chennai.
There were expectations for Shami to return for the Bangladesh series, but his selection in Bengal’s probable squad raises doubts about his readiness. Additionally, with Team India set to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting October 16, it’s unlikely that Shami would be fit enough to switch from playing for Bengal on October 11 to joining the national team the next day.
The focus now appears to be on getting Shami fully fit for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. His exclusion from the Duleep Trophy, which kicks off on September 5, further suggests that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is cautious about rushing him back into action too soon. Instead, they aim to test his fitness in the Ranji Trophy before considering him for international duties.