Veteran Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Shami has made his comeback to cricket after 360 days as he featured in the Ranji Trophy game against Madhya Pradesh. Shami had been out of cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss against Australia in Ahmedabad. He was sensational in the tournament by claiming 24 wickets but suffered an injury after that for which he had to undergo surgery.
He was not included in the India squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. However, he bowled an impressive spell of 4/54 on his comeback, playing for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy match in Indore. Shami bowled 19 overs in the game and that is the highest bowled by any bowler in that match, which does go on to prove his fitness. So, there is a definite chance that he might be included in the squad for the latter matches of the series.
BCCI will be keeping a watch on Mohammed Shami
Shami is one of the most destructive fast bowlers in the world in the longest format of the game and is a potent weapon for India with Jasprit Bumrah. He bowls an accurate, nagging line and length and troubles batters with his pace and seam movement. With his experience, he would definitely be a big boost to India on pitches which will have plenty of help for the fast bowlers.
BCCI will continue to keep a close watch on Shami’s performance in the Ranji Trophy and then taken an action on his inclusion for the Australia Tour. Currently, Indian players have already travelled to Australia with the first match scheduled to happen in Perth from November 22. It is expected that the Perth wicket will be a lively, green top wicket and hence India will definitely feel the absence of the veteran fast bowler in the game.
