India’s pace sensation Mohammed Shami’s prospects for the upcoming IPL 2024 with Gujarat Titans hang in the balance as he grapples with an ankle injury. Shami might require ankle surgery, a development that could potentially sideline him for a significant portion, if not the entirety, of the tournament. IPL 2024 is scheduled to run from March 22 to May 26.
Since India’s defeat in the World Cup final against Australia on November 19, Shami has been absent from competitive cricket. Despite battling with his ankle ailment throughout the World Cup, Shami emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets.
Shami’s absence would compound Gujarat Titans’ woes, as they have already lost the services of Hardik Pandya, who moved to Mumbai Indians. Shami was instrumental in Titans’ triumphant 2022 season, finishing as their highest wicket-taker with 20 scalps in 16 matches. Moreover, he topped the bowling charts across all teams last year, claiming 28 wickets in 17 matches.
During the World Cup, Shami resorted to injections to manage his ankle discomfort, a practice he continued post-tournament. While he was initially expected to feature in India’s Test series against South Africa, he was ruled out due to ongoing fitness concerns.
Despite his hopes of a comeback for the home Tests against England, Shami’s absence persisted, leading to speculations about the severity of his injury. Reports suggest that Shami has sought consultations with specialists abroad regarding his ankle condition.
As Shami deliberates his next course of action, the BCCI’s medical team keeps a close watch on his progress. However, Shami’s absence from the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where players usually undergo rehabilitation, raises questions about his recovery timeline.
Neither the BCCI nor Gujarat Titans have issued any official statements regarding Shami’s condition, leaving his IPL 2024 participation in limbo as the cricketing fraternity awaits further updates.