Mohammed Shami could make India comeback in limited-overs series against England, says report

India pacer Mohammed Shami could reportedly make his India comeback in the upcoming limited-overs series against England and also possibly make the squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as well. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the medical team of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) continues to keep a close eye on Shami’s fitness and could be available for India selection if all goes well.

Shami was closely monitored during Bengal’s group stage matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament. Recently, an NCA physio oversaw both Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya in Hyderabad.

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In February 2024, Shami underwent a surgery on his right heel and recovered from the surgery in December. However, the 35-year-old sustained a minor swelling in his left knee , which eventually ruled him out of the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shami has not played for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia, when he sustained an ankle injury.

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When Shami made his competitive return last year

Shami made his competitive return for Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in November last year, where he picked seven wickets. The speedster also played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he picked 11 wickets from nine matches. Recently, Shami has showed promising signs for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, having taken a wicket each against Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Shami will next be in action on Thursday when Bengal take on Haryana in the pre-quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and with selection committee members likely to witness that game in Vadodara, Shami’s fitness will be keenly assessed.

India are scheduled to take on England in a limited-overs series at home, starting with a five-match T20 series that gets underway on 22 January. The T20 series will be followed by a three-match ODI series before the 2025 Champions Trophy gets underway.

India, who are in Group A for the Champions Trophy, will play all their matches in Dubai, with the tournament adopting a hybrid model. India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on 20 February. The Men in Blue will then lock horns against Pakistan on 23 February, before facing New Zealand on 2 March.