Mohammed Shami reacts to his exclusion from India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Explore his injury struggles, upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, and hopes for a comeback.
The cricketing world was abuzz when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence on November 22, 2024. Notably absent from the 18-member squad was star pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been sidelined due to injury. In this article, we will delve into Shami’s reaction to his exclusion, the circumstances surrounding it, and what the future holds for him as he aims to return to competitive cricket.
Background: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a prestigious Test series between India and Australia, named after former cricketers Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar. This year marks a historic occasion as it will be the first time Australia hosts India for a five-match Test series. The series is expected to draw significant attention from cricket fans worldwide.
Shami’s Injury and Absence
Mohammed Shami’s absence from the squad can be traced back to an Achilles tendon injury that has kept him out of competitive cricket since the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite his stellar performance during the World Cup—where he took 24 wickets at an average of 10.70—Shami underwent surgery in February 2024, which delayed his return to form.
The Road to Recovery
Shami is currently focusing on regaining fitness through participation in two Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal. He is expected to play against Karnataka on November 6 and Madhya Pradesh shortly after. His performance in these matches will be crucial in determining whether he can make a late entry into the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Shami’s Reaction to Exclusion
In a recent interview, Shami expressed his disappointment over not being named in the squad but remained optimistic about his chances of making a comeback. He stated:
“When a human is out for a year from International Cricket… Everyone has watched my Bengaluru training video; what do you think my chances are to enter into the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?”
He confidently asserted that there is a “100% chance” of him playing in the series if he can prove his fitness through upcoming matches.
The Importance of Match Fitness
Shami’s absence raises questions about match fitness. Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized that bringing an “undercooked” player like Shami into such a high-stakes series could be detrimental. The team management is keen on ensuring that Shami is fully fit before considering him for selection.
India’s Squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The BCCI announced an 18-member squad led by Rohit Sharma, with notable inclusions such as Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain. The absence of Shami means that other bowlers like Mohd. Siraj and R Ashwin will have to step up in his place.
India’s Squad
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Jasprit Bumrah (vc)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper)
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)
- R Ashwin
- R Jadeja
- Mohd. Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Prasidh Krishna
- Harshit Rana
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
Reserves:
- Mukesh Kumar
- Navdeep Saini
What Lies Ahead for Mohammed Shami?
As Shami prepares for his Ranji matches, all eyes will be on his performance. A successful return could pave the way for him to join the Indian squad just before they depart for Australia.
Potential Impact on Team Dynamics
Should Shami prove his fitness, his inclusion would significantly bolster India’s bowling attack, especially given his past performances against Australia. He played a pivotal role in India’s historic Test series win down under in 2018-19, taking 16 wickets in four matches.
A Hopeful Return?
Mohammed Shami’s journey back to international cricket has been fraught with challenges, but his determination and positive outlook are commendable. As he gears up for crucial Ranji Trophy matches, both fans and selectors will be watching closely.
If he can showcase his skills and fitness levels, there’s still hope for him to don the Indian jersey once again during this pivotal series against Australia.
This article captures all aspects surrounding Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad while engaging readers with insights into his journey back to fitness and potential impact on Indian cricket.
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