Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has praised fast bowler Akash Deep, claiming that the young pacer has the potential to match the bowling speeds of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami. As India gears up for the Test series against Bangladesh, Akash Deep has been included in the squad, marking his return to the Test setup after his debut earlier this year.

Ganguly, speaking at an event in Kolkata, expressed his belief in Akash Deep’s abilities. “Akash Deep is an outstanding young fast bowler. He bowls quick and can sustain long spells. I’ve seen him play for Bengal, and he’s definitely one to watch out for,” Ganguly stated.

Akash Deep’s recent performance in the Duleep Trophy has further solidified his place in the Test squad. He took a total of nine wickets in the opening match, including key dismissals of players like Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan. This impressive display has made him a standout candidate for India’s upcoming series against Bangladesh, where he will bowl alongside veterans Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Mohammed Shami, one of India’s finest pace bowlers, has started his journey back to fitness after being sidelined since the end of the ODI World Cup 2023. Shami, who played through the entire tournament despite being impaired, has begun rigorous training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) under the supervision of the medical staff.

Surgery and Rehabilitation

Shami underwent surgery for an Achilles tendon injury in February, which caused him to miss both the IPL 2024 season and the ongoing T20 World Cup. Despite his determination and efforts, it is still uncertain when he will return to competitive cricket. However, his current training suggests he aims to be back at full fitness by the start of India’s home season in September.

Future Prospects

India has a busy schedule ahead, with two away white-ball series in Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka during July and August. It is expected that India will field a second-string team for these tours, focusing on managing players’ workloads. Shami’s best chance for a comeback could be during the India vs Bangladesh Test series, starting on September 19.

Shami’s Remarkable Record

During the ODI World Cup, Shami was the highest wicket-taker, showcasing his exceptional skills and resilience. His return will be highly anticipated by fans and teammates alike, as his presence significantly bolsters India’s bowling attack.

As Shami continues his recovery, the cricketing world watches with hope and excitement for the return of one of India’s premier fast bowlers.

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.