Mohammed Shami, who is currently out of the squad, was seen bowling to assistant coach Abhishek Nayar following India‘s eight-wicket loss to New Zealand at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. Shami has been sidelined due to injuries since the 2023 Men’s World Cup.
Reporters on-site noted that Shami bowled for about an hour, wearing a brace on his left knee. Nayar, a former India player, was also seen strapping up as he defended some deliveries, while bowling coach Morne Morkel observed closely.
You can watch the video here:
https://x.com/arseinho/status/1847930421687816504?s=46
Shami competed in the World Cup despite an ankle injury and had surgery earlier this year.
“Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time),” Shami said at the Cricket Association of Bengal’s awards ceremony in September, as quoted by PTI.
“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.”
“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.”
He was expected to return for the ongoing Ranji Trophy, but swelling in his knee has reportedly postponed his comeback and extended his rehabilitation.
India missed Mohammed Shami in Bengaluru
India has felt Shami’s absence several times this year, but it was particularly noticeable in the Bengaluru Test. Mohammed Siraj struggled against the New Zealand left-handers, lacking the precision that Shami typically provides.
India hopes he can fully recover by mid-November to be fit for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, starting in Perth on November 22.
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