The Indian star pacer Mohammed Shami has confirmed his desire to represent Bengal and also his intentions on a potential comeback to international cricket.
After some reports revealed Shami developed a swollen knee at NCA, his statement on his return has gained the attention of Indian cricket fans.
The Pacer Mohammed Shami wants himself to be in 100% fitness after his ankle surgery rehabilitation and also revealed that he will play domestic cricket without setting a timeline for his international return.
He has been sidelined from cricketing action since the 2023 ODI World Cup finals and underwent surgery earlier this year.
In a report that appeared in Times of India, a BCCI official was quoted saying, “Shami had started bowling, and he was on the lines of making a return to competitive cricket shortly. But this knee problem has reared its ugly head recently. The BCCI medical team is looking into the injury, but it may take some time.
“This is bad news for the NCA medical team. They have been rehabilitating him for over a year now. They have one of the best workload management systems in the business. The medical team is doing all they can to get him back in the park in no time.”
Nevertheless, Shami has dismissed any rumours that he is missing out on the Border-Gavaskar Series.
“Why these type of baseless rumors? I’m working hard and trying my level best to recover. Neither the BCCI nor me have mentioned that I am out of the Border Gavaskar series.”
“I request the public to stop paying attention to such news from unofficial sources. Please stop and don’t spread such fake fake fake & fake news, especially without my statement. #fakenews#stoprumors#rehab,” Mohammed Shami wrote on X.
Why these type of baseless rumors? I’m working hard and trying my level best to recover. Neither the BCCI nor me have mentioned that I am out of the Border Gavaskar series. I request the public to stop paying attention to such news from unofficial sources. Please stop and don’t… pic.twitter.com/0OgL1K2iKS
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) October 2, 2024
Speaking at Bangladesh Cricket Association annual awards ceremony, where he was felicitated for his stellar performance, Shami expressed his desire to be in top shape before returning to the field.
“Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue,” he said.
However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I’ve to work on my fitness so that there is no discomfort,” Shami told reporters.
“The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don’t want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the Australia series. I’ve already started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I am 100% fit.” said Shami on PTI last month.
It is understood that Shami will play either one or two of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches and Shami is willing to play some domestic matches before his international return.
“If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will. What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format,” Shami added.
Shami is expected to be a key figure in India’s five-match Border Gavaskar trophy against Australia.
While asked about the much-anticipated series, Shami said, “Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (We are the favourites, they should be worried).”
“I often say I was born in UP but made in Bengal. This is a journey of over 20 years, and I am grateful for the love and support Bengal has shown me,” Shami said.
