Mohammed Shami Fitness Update: Indian Pacer Unlikely to Fly to Australia Soon

Mohammed Shami Fitness Update: Why the Indian Pacer Isn’t Flying to Australia Yet

The Indian cricket team faces a setback. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami will likely not join the squad in Australia soon. Shami, trying to regain match fitness, has a swollen knee. His participation in the Test series is now uncertain.

After the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, India captain Rohit Sharma held a press conference. He addressed Shami’s situation but did not give a timeline for his return. The door is open for the pacer. But, Rohit stressed the need to fully recover Shami before bringing him back to the team.

Rohit Sharma on Mohammed Shami’s Fitness Concerns

Rohit Sharma expressed caution about Shami’s return. The 33-year-old bowler is still under evaluation by professionals.

“We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don’t want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime,” Rohit had said.

Rohit’s comments suggest that the Indian team is wary of complications from rushing Shami back too soon.

Shami’s Domestic Performances Raise Questions

Despite fitness concerns, Shami has been active in domestic cricket. He has played in one Ranji Trophy match. He has also played all seven games for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). There, he did well with both bat and ball. However, The Indian Express reports that Shami’s fitness test showed he is not ready for five-day cricket.

Shami is set to play in Bengal’s quarterfinal match against Baroda at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This game will test his readiness. Can he bowl longer spells without worsening his swollen knee?

What’s Next for Mohammed Shami?

Shami has excelled in shorter formats. But, there are doubts about his stamina in red-ball cricket. With the team short on bowlers in Australia, his delay could hurt India’s chances in the series.

The Indian management and fans will watch Shami’s recovery closely. For now, the veteran pacer’s return to international cricket remains uncertain.