Im in No Rush, Shami Plans Ranji Trophy Return Before Rejoining India Squad

Indian fast bowling spearhead Mohammed Shami is slowly but surely back on track while working his way into competitive cricket with an ankle injury that confined him to the sidelines since last November. As he works towards getting fit completely, he has his eyes fixed on a return to domestic cricket for Bengal in the on-going Ranji Trophy.

The 34-year-old, who played through the 2023 ODI World Cup, now gearing up for a comeback, after helping India make it to the semifinals, taking 24 wickets at an average of 10.70, underwent surgery in February in London and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

Shami continued to bowl for more than an hour at full tilt in the nets after the end of India's first Test against New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, his left knee heavily strapped for support. Under the eyes of bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, Shami paced up and down, bowling seamlessly. In a rigorous session, there was nothing that indicated discomfort on his part. His confidence would be up on his progress.

"I was bowling off a half-run-up before yesterday, but I have chosen to go with my full run-up after the game and it felt good. My body feels fine, and I am recovering well," Shami said in an interview with IANS on Monday.
"Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is key, but I'm in no hurry. Once fully recovered, I want to play in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season for Bengal."

Shami, whose representation of Bengal is for the domestic circuit, is in line to get a chance in Bengal's game against Kerala at Eden Gardens. The first game of the season for Bengal was abandoned without a ball being bowled, and Shami would like to be cleared by the NCA medical team in time to make a contribution to his state side.

It's all about how I go, really," Shami said. "I don't feel any problems with my knees but still have to get clearance from the NCA medical team. Then I will be good to go and play for Bengal against Kerala."

Shami's return will be very crucial both for Bengal and for India, as the fast bowler remains a very important personality in the Indian team's plans for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, scheduled for November. India captain Rohit Sharma had said that Shami had been out due to swelling in his knee but the pacer is hoping to make a full recovery.

For now, for Shami, the immediate focus remains on getting his fitness back and back into competitive cricket through domestic matches, so that when he returns to the action, he is all set for a challenge.