Recently, BCCI has made a generous decision to allow the Nepal cricketers to train at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Now, India’s premier pacer, Mohammed Shami, was seen helping the Nepal cricketers with his experience at the NCA.
Nepal cricketers will surely get a lot of knowledge in interacting with Shami, who has been a successful fast bowler for India in international cricket and one of the best in world cricket.
Nepal is growing as a cricket team and has a passionate fanbase. They have a talented group of players and were close to beating South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024.
Mohammed Shami is currently recovering at the NCA
Shami has been a sensational bowler for India in all-formats. His ability to swing the ball in both sides with pace makes him an out and out wicket-taker. Moreover, he is one of the few fast bowlers who bowls with a straight seam. He was sensational for India in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and helped them qualify for the final by picking 24 wickets. However, India lost the final against Australia.
Post the World Cup, he underwent a surgery for Achilles tendon injury and has been recovering, since. He missed the IPL 2024 for Gujarat Titans and the T20 World Cup 2024 winning squad. Currently, he is rehabilitating at the NCA and is aiming to make his comeback during the Test series against Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, indicated that the selectors have a clear idea of the players they want for the upcoming Test series. He mentioned that while there are some current injuries within the squad, they are hopeful that the injured players will recover in time.
Regarding Mohammed Shami, Agarkar noted that it’s promising that Shami has resumed bowling. However, he admitted uncertainty about whether Shami will be fully fit by the first Test on September 19.
Agarkar mentioned that with a busy schedule of Test matches ahead, having a deep and versatile squad will be essential. While Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are the established bowlers, the selectors will also consider other options. He pointed out that the upcoming first-class matches will provide opportunities to develop and assess additional players, helping to strengthen the team’s depth.
