The Indian team is waiting eagerly for the return of pace spearhead Mohammed Shami from an injury he sustained last year in the ODI World Cup to take part in the forthcoming two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, with the opener taking place on September 19 in Chennai.
Shami turned out to be the highest wicket-taker at the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches. Celebrated performances yielded runs with aplomb, among which was his 7-57 haul against New Zealand at Mumbai in the semifinal, and the demolition of the same team by taking five wickets at Dharamshala besides four at Lucknow against England.
However, he has not been able to play since the Mumbai Test because of a right heel injury, which kept him out of the away series against South Africa, home Tests against England, and the IPL 2024. He underwent successful surgery on February 26 this year and has since been undergoing a long rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
ESPNCricinfo said Shami was now in the last stages of his rehab at the NCA and he started bowling last month since the surgery. It further added Shami has gradually increased his bowling workload after being pain-free.
"The selectors have have been kept abreast about Shami's progress, and a decision on whether the player should feature in at least one of the Duleep Trophy games, starting September 5 in Anantapur to prove his fitness, will be taken soon," the report added.
Earlier this month, in a press conference before the team's departure for Sri Lanka for the white-ball series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said that Shami has recently started bowling again with the goal of making him available from India's first Test against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai, subject to fitness.
"We are aware of the key players, though there are some injuries at the moment but then we hope they will recover. Shami has started bowling, that is of course a positive sign. The first Test on 19th September has always been the target. I am not sure about his reading into it, we will have to speak to the NCA team," Agarkar said.
"There are many Tests coming up, we need good bench strength. Bumrah and Shami and Siraj have been part of the team setup for some time now, however, all of them will be up for discussion. With considerable first-class cricket lined up, we can build form and fitness of our players."
Shami is eager to turn out for his state team, Bengal, before returning to national duty, as his attempts to make a return to the Test team gather steam. Home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand are lined up for India, and then the first half of the Ranji Trophy in October, followed by India 'A' playing two first-class matches in Australia—all these reasons give ample hint that Shami will get to play enough to attain full fitness ahead of the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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