As Team India embarks on the new year, they confront the challenge of navigating their way without key players, notably Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav, due to lingering injuries. Shami, known for his right-arm pace, battled through an ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, requiring subsequent medical attention post-tournament.
His absence was palpable during the South Africa tour, where he sought specialized treatment in Mumbai. Recent reports from the Indian Express suggest that Shami’s recovery may sideline him for the initial two Tests against England, scheduled to commence on January 25 in Hyderabad.
An anonymous source said: “Shami hasn’t even started to bowl, he will have to go to NCA and prove his fitness. He looks doubtful for the first two Tests against England.”
While the impending Test series predominantly spotlights spinners, there remains a pivotal role for pace bowlers. Given this, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been granted rest for the forthcoming T20I series versus Afghanistan. Consequently, Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar, fresh from their South African stint, are poised to bolster the pace battery for the Tests.
Delving into Shami’s 2023 performance, he showcased resilience by participating in four Tests, culminating with the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Despite initial selection for the South Africa Tests, his involvement hinged on his fitness status.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav’s setback came during the T20I clash against South Africa, where he sustained an ankle injury, subsequently sidelining him for the upcoming Afghanistan series. Complicating matters further, the top-ranked T20I batsman grapples with a hernia ailment, necessitating surgical intervention. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical panel is vigilantly overseeing his condition, contemplating overseas treatment.
Given the circumstances, Yadav’s return trajectory aligns more with the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), setting the stage for his participation in the 2024 T20 World Cup preparations come June.
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