 "Mohammed Shami: 'Don't want to rush and risk getting injured again'")
Mohammed Shami wants to ensure that he is fully fit before taking the cricket field once again.
Shami, 34, last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and has been on the sidelines ever since with an ankle injury, for which he underwent surgery this year.
“Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time),” Shami said at the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) awards ceremony. “However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I’ve to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort.”
“The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don’t want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the Australia series. I’ve already started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I am 100% fit.”
Last month it was reported that Shami, who is undergoing rehabilitation, is expected to make a comeback to competitive cricket for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, and a potential international appearance against New Zealand in a Test.
It is expected that Shami may play either one or two of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches against UP (October 11) and Bihar (October 18).
Shami has strongly hinted at the possibility of playing domestic cricket before an international return.
“If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will,” Shami said. “What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsShami is expected to be a key figure for India’s tour of Australia in the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (We are the favourites, they should be worried),” Shami said.
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