India's fast bowler Mohammed Shami is placing his health and full recovery from an ankle injury as his top priority before resuming international cricket. The 34-year-old last featured in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and has since undergone surgery, keeping him sidelined.
At the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) annual awards ceremony, Shami expressed his determination to return to the field, stating, "I'm working hard to make a comeback soon as I’ve been out for a while. However, it’s essential to ensure that I’m completely free of discomfort before rejoining. My focus is on getting fit to prevent any setbacks."
He stressed the importance of a strong return, noting, "Coming back in top condition is crucial. I don’t want to rush and risk another injury, whether it's in the series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, or Australia. Although I’ve resumed bowling, I won't take any risks until I’m fully fit."
Reports indicate that Shami is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to return to competitive cricket with his domestic team, Bengal, in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. He might also be available for the Test series against New Zealand, with potential participation in Bengal's matches against UP on October 11 and Bihar on October 18.
Shami also mentioned the possibility of playing domestic cricket to gauge his fitness. "If I need to play domestic matches to assess my readiness, I will. The most important thing is being fully prepared for any challenges ahead, regardless of the opponent or format," he said.
As India prepares for the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Shami is expected to play a significant role. "We are the favourites; they should be the ones worried," he added with confidence.