India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami has reportedly developed a swollen knee while undergoing rehab at NCA which makes him doubtful for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy starting in the second half of November.
India is preparing for a high-profile five-match test series against Australia which will have a huge impact on the WTC table and the visitors could miss the pacer taking a huge impact on the side.
Shami made his last cricket appearance in the ODI World Cup 2023 finals in Ahmedabad. He underwent Achilles tendon surgery in February and he was expected to return to Bengal in the Ranji Trophy starting in October 11.
“Shami had resumed bowling and he was looking on track to make a comeback to competitive cricket soon. But this knee injury has flared up recently. BCCI’s medical team is assessing the injury but it may require quite a bit of time,” said a BCCI source.
“It’s a jolt for the NCA medical team. They have been working on him for over a year. They have one of the best workload management systems in place. The medical team is trying its best to put him back in the park soon,” the source added.
BCCI has been cautious in managing pacers workload. The ace pacers Bumrah and Shami has been given proper rests amid busy schedules to keep them away from injuries.
Bumrah recently played a two-match test series against Bangladesh with India gearing up for the tests against New Zealand. Bumrah’s participation against Blackcaps is yet to be decided.
If Shami’s injury is concerning, he is likely out of action for six to eight weeks, missing the three-match test series against New Zealand. He is in line to make his international return during the BGT as he started bowling at NCA.
The five-match test series will kickstart on November 22 while the second test will be played on a day-night format under the stadium lights starting on December 06.
The third test will be played in the Gabba which will be held between December 14-18. The fourth test will be played between December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7 will give a promising dramatic conclusion for the exciting contest.
