Mohammed Shami to Make Competitive Return for Bengal in Ranji Trophy, Eyes New Zealand Test Series
Senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is set to make his return to competitive cricket in October, following a 10-month hiatus due to an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup. According to reports, Shami is currently in the final stages of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and is gearing up to represent Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy tournament. This comeback marks a crucial step in Shami’s recovery and his preparation for India’s home Test series against New Zealand later this year.
Shami last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in November. Since then, he has been sidelined after undergoing ankle surgery in the United Kingdom in February 2024. The surgery was essential for his recovery, ruling him out of competitive cricket for at least six months. While there were initial hopes of his return during the Bangladesh Test series in August, Shami’s rehabilitation extended beyond that, leading to concerns about his availability for the upcoming series against New Zealand and the subsequent tour of Australia.
The Ranji Trophy will be Shami’s first competitive outing since his injury. He is expected to feature in either one or both of Bengal’s opening matches, with the tournament set to commence on October 11. Bengal’s first match will be an away game against Uttar Pradesh, followed by a home game against Bihar on October 18. Given the tight schedule, it is unlikely that Shami will participate in both matches, with a decision on his involvement to be made closer to the time based on his fitness and workload management.
Shami’s return is seen as a positive development for the Indian team, especially with the crucial New Zealand Test series and the highly anticipated tour to Australia on the horizon. The three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 19 in Bengaluru, will be a key fixture in India’s cricket calendar, and Shami’s inclusion could bolster India’s pace attack. The other two Tests are scheduled in Pune and Mumbai on October 24 and November 1, respectively.
The 34-year-old pacer’s experience and skill make him an invaluable asset to the Indian team, particularly in the challenging conditions expected during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The BCCI, through its chief selector Ajit Agarkar and secretary Jay Shah, has expressed confidence in Shami’s return. Shah, in a recent statement, confirmed that Shami is expected to be fit and ready for the Australia series, emphasizing the importance of having experienced players like Shami, along with Jasprit Bumrah, in the squad.
Shami’s road to recovery has been closely monitored by the BCCI and the team management, especially after he was not named in any of the four squads for the Duleep Trophy earlier this year. This omission raised eyebrows, leading to speculation about the severity of his injury and the timeline for his return. However, with Shami now preparing for the Ranji Trophy, these concerns have been largely alleviated.
Shami’s imminent return is not just significant for his personal career but also for India’s broader cricketing ambitions. His ability to swing the ball and his expertise in bowling with the old ball make him a formidable bowler in Test cricket. As India prepares for a busy season, including the New Zealand series at home and the tour to Australia, Shami’s return will be a major boost.
As fans and cricket experts look forward to his performances in the Ranji Trophy, there is hope that Shami will regain his form and fitness, ensuring he can contribute effectively to India’s Test squad. His journey back to full fitness and competitive cricket will be closely watched, with the expectations that he will once again be at the forefront of India’s pace attack in the coming months.