Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is on track to regain match fitness and might participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy as part of his recovery process. Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup 2023 finals, having undergone knee surgery. As he approaches full recovery, the BCCI Selection Committee is considering testing his fitness in the domestic tournament before the crucial IND vs BAN Test series.
Shami’s Road to Recovery
- Current Status: Shami is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he is in the final stages of his rehabilitation. Reports indicate that he has been gradually increasing his bowling workload and has started hitting the nets regularly.
- Match Fitness: With around 40 days remaining before the Test series against Bangladesh, Shami is expected to achieve full match fitness. Participating in the Duleep Trophy could provide a perfect opportunity for him to test his readiness.
BCCI’s Plans for Shami
- Duleep Trophy Participation: The BCCI Selection Committee is considering featuring Shami in the opening round of the Duleep Trophy, which starts on September 5th. This move would help assess his fitness in a competitive environment.
- Team India Preparations: While senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might be exempt from the tournament, several other key players are expected to participate. A training camp for the Indian team is also scheduled in Chennai before the first Test against Bangladesh on September 19th.
Importance of Shami’s Fitness
Shami’s return to full fitness is crucial, especially with reports suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah might receive an extended break. As a key figure in India’s pace attack, Shami’s match readiness will be vital for the team’s success in the upcoming Test series.