India’s premier fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who recently emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, has been grappling with an ankle issue and is currently seeking specialized medical intervention in Mumbai. Shami, having secured a spot in the 16-man Indian squad earmarked for the upcoming Test series in South Africa, which kicks off with the Boxing Day Test on December 26th in Centurion, might face a race against time to prove his fitness.
In a press release distributed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it was mentioned that Shami’s inclusion in the Test series is conditional, hinging on his fitness status. According to a detailed report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the seasoned pacer has traveled to Mumbai for a consultation with a renowned sports orthopedic regarding the troubling ankle ailment.
A BCCI insider, who preferred to remain unnamed, provided some insight into the situation, informing PTI, “It is not exactly an on-field injury. It is an ankle condition that has developed. Shami came to Mumbai to consult the doctors. He will also go to NCA [National Cricket Academy] for rehab and recuperation work.”
The source went on to add, “The national selectors wouldn’t have selected him had there not been a chance of him getting fit in time for the Boxing Day Test.”
Shami’s extraordinary bowling performance was instrumental in India’s campaign at the ODI World Cup, where he notched up 24 wickets in just seven matches. He managed these feats at an outstanding average of 10.70 and was also commendable in terms of economy, leaking runs at a moderate rate of 5.26 per over.
Hailing from Amroha, Shami’s contributions have not only been pivotal in recent tournaments, but they’ve also etched his name into the annals of World Cup history. His sensational haul propelled him to the top of India’s all-time wicket-takers in ODI World Cup annals, surpassing the previous record held by Zaheer Khan who had accumulated 44 wickets. Shami, with 55 wickets in his kitty, now stands among the elite few – only four bowlers in the history of the World Cup have claimed more wickets than him.
While India is gearing up for the South African tour, the BCCI provided a roster for the Test squad. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the team consists of adept batsmen like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, the batting heavyweight Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The squad also includes dynamic wicketkeepers KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan. The bowling department is backed by the spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja along with pacers Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), and the up-and-coming Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna. Shami’s asterisked inclusion highlights his uncertain status pending the outcome of his medical evaluations and recovery process.
The cricketing fraternity will be closely monitoring the developments regarding Mohammed Shami’s health and readiness as they anticipate another enthralling series of Test cricket. His presence or absence could significantly sway the dynamics of the Indian bowling lineup as they encounter the challenges posed by the Proteas on their home turf. With the stakes high and expectations soaring, all eyes are on Shami’s potential return to bolster the Indian squad’s quest for victory.