'He's not Jasprit Bumrah...': Sanjay Manjrekar backs 'half-fit' Mohammed Shami's selection in BGT 2024-25

As the Indian cricket team fans eagerly await clarity on the fitness of Mohammed Shami, former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has delivered a bold statement on the seasoned pacer ahead of the upcoming crucial Test series against New Zealand and Australia.

Mohammed Shami, one of India's most skilled fast bowlers, is currently recovering from an ankle injury that required surgery earlier this year. The senior pacer has been out of action since the 2023 ODI World Cup at home.

Sanjay Manjrekar backs Mohammed Shami's inclusion for Australia tour

There are huge concerns over Mohammed Shami's fitness, with bigger challenges on the horizon in Australia during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Shami, known for his precision and deadly bowling skills, is currently in the spotlight over his readiness for the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia after he was ruled out of the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, which was expected to test his fitness level.

As India gears up to face New Zealand, the spotlight is on whether Shami can endure the physical demands of Test cricket if he finds a place in India’s squad for the upcoming Australia tour, as he will be coming back from injury and going straight to Down Under.

Even if he's even 90% fit, he should be picked for the Australia tour: Sanjay Manjrekar on Mohammed Shami

His recovery has already raised eyebrows, with many wondering if pushing him into the grueling Test tour is too soon. However, Sanjay Manjrekar believes Shami’s skillset is so unique that his inclusion should be prioritized, even if he isn't 100% fit for the upcoming Australia tour.

The cricket expert noted that most fast bowlers, even Jasprit Bumrah, require game time to regain form, but Shami’s mastery over the ball allows him to deliver match-winning performances without any grueling preparation with the red ball.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports: “I'm not sure about the attitude and approach of the selectors team management with Shami because he's like, you know, blue-chip company. You want him fit, and if he's even 90% fit, because he's such a skilled bowler. He's not as physical in the way he bowls as a Bumrah who needs to be, you know, in peak fitness.”

Sanjay Manjrekar wants India to handle Mohammed Shami differently

He further added that Shami’s ability to create magic with minimal effort makes him desirable for the Australia tour without proving his match fitness. Manjrekar urged the Indian cricket team management to handle Shami’s comeback in a different way, as they need him badly Down Under.

Manjrekar signed off by saying, “So, I would go for Shami and play him whenever he's fit and not think long-term. You said he doesn't need overs behind him. He's not that kind of bowler. No, I mean you need overs, but let's not put him through that stringent test of proving match fitness because all his magic is in the way he releases the ball. Sometimes he hardly runs in and creates the effect on the pitch. So, with him, I'll be a little sort of handling him differently.”

'Treat him differently, take Shami to Australia even if he's 90% fit'

Agree, 🇮🇳 fans? 🤔 (Ctsy: @starsportsindia) pic.twitter.com/EfM4pfI5Pj

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 13, 2024