India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who was set to make a return to the national team, will now have to wait longer as he faces a fresh injury setback. Reports from a leading publication suggest that Shami has aggravated a knee issue, causing swelling in his right knee. This injury threatens his participation in the upcoming five-Test series against Australia, starting on November 24.
Mohammed Shami has not played for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. Following the World Cup, he underwent ankle surgery, ruling him out of both the IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup. In recent months, Shami has been sharing his recovery progress on social media, showing his return to training. He emphasized the need to avoid rushing his comeback, aware of the risks of returning too soon.
Shami’s latest knee injury may extend his recovery period by several months. According to a BCCI source, Shami had resumed bowling and was on track for a comeback, but the knee issue flared up unexpectedly. The BCCI’s medical team is now assessing the extent of the injury, and it could take a significant amount of time for Shami to recover fully.
Shami’s absence could be a blow to India’s preparation for the crucial Test series against Australia. His experience and skill, especially in Australian conditions, were highlighted by former coach Ravi Shastri during the Kanpur Test. The team will have to look for alternative options if Shami’s recovery takes longer than expected.
