1. Mohammed Shami, the senior pacer, is slated to sit out of the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a left ankle injury.
2. Shami’s absence from the ongoing Test series against England underscores his sidelined status.
3. His last appearance for India dates back to the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November.
Sports, Feb 22: Senior pacer Mohammed Shami is set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a left ankle injury that requires surgery, according to a BCCI source.
Shami, who is currently not part of the ongoing Test series against England, last played for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November.
After receiving special ankle injections in London in late January, Shami was advised to start light running after three weeks. However, the injections did not yield the desired results, leading to the decision for surgery.
The 33-year-old played through pain during India’s World Cup campaign, where he played a significant role with 24 wickets, despite facing landing issues due to his ankle injury.
With 229 Test, 195 ODI, and 24 T20 wickets in his career spanning over a decade, Shami’s absence raises concerns about the injury rehabilitation management program planned by the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
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It is now unlikely that Shami will be available for India’s Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand in October and November, with his potential comeback targeted for the away series against Australia.
Critics argue that the NCA’s conservative approach to Shami’s injury may have contributed to the need for surgery, suggesting that immediate surgical intervention could have been a better option.
Given Shami’s significance to the Indian team, especially in crucial overseas tours like the one against Australia, his recovery and return to full fitness will be closely monitored by cricket enthusiasts and team management alike.
