IND vs AUS: Mohammed Shami breaks silence on being left out of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has started training hard for the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Shami has not played international cricket for almost a year now due to his setback from injuries.

But the 34-year-old has started training in the nets and the gym. He is working hard to get back into full fitness before being available to play domestic red-ball cricket.

Recently, Shami was excluded from India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as the selectors thought he still needed some time to get back into the bowling rhythm. In his absence, India have picked two inexperienced fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana in the squad.

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Mohammed Shami trains hard for Ranji Trophy

Mohammed Shami shared a post through his social media handle in which he was seen sweating it out in the gym with his trainer and working his way out to play domestic cricket.

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Shami's fitness is of prime concern for India at the moment as he has been one of India's best bowlers over the years alongside Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami has been terrific for India and has won them numerous games across formats.

A few days ago, Mohammed Shami was seen bowling at the nets. He did not look in much discomfort but it is believed that he wants to appear in at least two Ranji Trophy matches before being available for international cricket.

Bengal coach reveals Mohammed Shami's return to Ranji Trophy

The news of him playing Ranji Trophy was confirmed by the Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla. Shami is likely to play a couple of Ranji Trophy games for Bengal before making a comeback in international cricket.

Shami was earlier stated to make a comeback in the home Test series against New Zealand. He had already completed his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). But a swelling in his knee delayed his return.

India's fast bowlers for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

As a result, the selectors did not risk his return and instead opted to keep him out of the Australia tour. India have selected five genuine fast bowlers for the Australia Tests in the form of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana.

Mohammed Shami last played an international match during the ODI World Cup 2023 final in November 2023. Since then, he has been out of the team because of constant injury concerns. The fast bowler had an Achilles heel surgery earlier this year.

As a result, he missed IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup 2024 as well. He was expected to make a comeback in the Test series against Bangladesh but his return has been delayed due to constant injuries. His unavailability can be a big blow for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as he has a good amount of experience playing in Australia.