IND vs AUS: Mohammed Shami smashes media for unnecessary hype around Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami said that there is too much hype around the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. Mohammed Shami stated that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is overhyped due to India's chances for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup 2023 when the Men in Blue suffered a heartbreaking defeat. The right-arm pacer bowled for 45 minutes after the first Test match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. He is yet to be cleared to play an international match for India.

There Is Too Much Hype - Mohammed Shami

In an interaction with Sports Tak, Mohammed Shami opened up about his return to competitive cricket before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shami said that the upcoming five-match Test series is overhyped and added that there's no need to talk about it that much.

"Don't know when but very soon. There is too much hype being given to this trophy. We are talking about it a lot because of the championship (World Test Championship) race. I feel we don't need to talk about it that much," Shami told Sports Tak.

Don't Think You Need To Take A Lot Of Pressure - Mohammed Shami

The Indian fast bowler emphasized that the Indian team should not feel pressured ahead of their upcoming tour to Australia. He pointed out that the Men in Blue have shown their talent and skill in their last two visits. Shami advised the players to focus on their natural skills rather than overthinking.

"The boys have shown their talent and skill the last two times. I don't think you need to take a lot of pressure. You need to concentrate on your natural skill, practice, fitness and recovery. I don't think we need to create so many difficult things," Shami said.

India is set to take on Australia in a five-match Test series, starting on November 22 in Perth. The Indian team has performed well in their recent tours of Australia. India secured 2-1 victories in their last two Test series in Australia, who last won the BGT series by 2-0 during the 2014-15 series at home.

Rohit Sharma Said It After Asking Us - Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami also opened up about concerns regarding his knee following comments from Rohit Sharma about some swelling. Shami clarified that his knee is currently in good condition. He noted that the swelling was only a temporary issue and had not affected his bowling performance.

"It is extremely fine at the moment. I had just stopped for one week because of that as I am also sometimes worried as it's the operation leg and there shouldn't be any reaction. Due to dryness, more load comes on my front foot. So I don't want problems in that and because of that, we had stepped back," he replied.

"As far as Rohit is concerned, he said it after asking us if anything was there because as a captain, he should know the reality. However, it was just for a week. I have been bowling decently for two weeks and there have been no issues thus far," Shami added.

Shami's availability for the upcoming five-Test series in Australia is uncertain. He has been a key player in India's Test line-up, having taken 229 wickets at an average of 27.71 across 64 Tests.

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