Despite reports and expectations, Mohammed Shami will not achieve full fitness in time for the three-Test series against New Zealand at home starting October 16. The Indian fast bowler is expected to return during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year, according to Sportskeeda.
In the UK in February this year, he had an operation on his right Achilles tendon. Later on he underwent rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy located in Bengaluru. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 34-year-old hasn’t played any cricket; thus missing out on India’s wonderful run during June’s 2024 T20 World Cup.
The pain was difficult but he managed to keep playing by taking painkillers during the last quadrennial 50-over event held on November 19. As a result, the two Tests against Bangladesh starting on September 19 were never really going to happen for him. However, some people in unofficial BCCI circles were still hopeful of seeing him partake against the Black Caps.
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Sources revealed Shami won’t be available for the New Zealand series
Sources close to Shami told Sportskeeda that the Bengal pacer will not be available for the New Zealand series, including the final Test starting on November 1. He is expected to return to the Indian team for the five-match series against Australia, with the first Test beginning on November 22 in Perth.
This series will bring Shami full circle, as it was during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy that he fractured his right forearm while batting in the Adelaide Test, where India was dismissed for 36.
He will, however, feature in at least a few matches in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. His participation will be contingent upon clearance from the NCA, and he has not yet received a fitness certificate.
India’s premier red-ball competition will take place in two phases this season. It begins on October 11 with each team playing five games, concluding on November 13. Shami can select any of these matches, or possibly more. The second phase will start on January 23.
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