Experienced Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is unlikely to participate in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, beginning on December 26 at Centurion.
As per Cricbuzz reports, Mohammed Shami, along with senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, is not expected to travel to South Africa. The report mentions that Navdeep Saini and Harshit Rana will be accompanying the senior players on the flight.
Shami had apparently been expressing discomfort in his right ankle, particularly during landings, and persisted in playing throughout the World Cup despite the pain. The BCCI made it clear that the seasoned pacer would be included in the squad only if he was fully fit.
Although the replacement for Mohammed Shami in the Test squad remains uncertain, India has a range of options at their disposal, given the presence of the A side and the T20I and ODI squads already in South Africa.
India’s Test squad for the South Africa series: Rohit Sharma (c), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Mukesh Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami (subject to fitness), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Prasidh Krishna.
Mohammed Shami had a remarkable performance in the 2023 World Cup
Despite India’s defeat in the final, Shami had an outstanding performance in the 2023 World Cup, taking 24 wickets in just seven games. Given the form he was in, his absence could pose a significant challenge to the visitors in their pursuit of winning their maiden Test series on South African soil.
However, it provides an opportunity for players like Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna to showcase their skills. Prasidh might edge out Mukesh as the third seamer following his five-wicket haul against South Africa A.
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