IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma claims selectors don't want to pick 'undercooked' Mohammed Shami

India Test captain Rohit Sharma has provided a massive update regarding fast bowler Mohammed Shami's fitness weeks ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Rohit Sharma confirmed that Mohammed Shami might not be included in the squad for the five-match Test series in Australia later this year.

Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup 2023, where the Men in Bleu suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Australia in the final match. He took 24 wickets in seven matches at an impressive average of 10.70. The right-arm pacer underwent Achilles tendon surgery earlier this year.

Don't Want To Bring Undercooked Mohammed Shami - Rohit Sharma

Speaking ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma said that he is unsure about Mohammed Shami's ability for the Test series in Australia. Rohit revealed that Shami is experiencing knee swelling and added that the team doesn't want to pick an undercooked Shami.

"To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for the Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling in his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He's at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don't want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed," said Rohit Sharma, as quoted by TOI.

Mohammed Shami Last Played For Team India In ODI World Cup 2023

Mohammed Shami is yet to play for Team India in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep made their debuts for the national cricket team. Akash is likely to be the third pacer for India in the much-awaited Test series on Australian soil.

The 34-year-old pacer missed several important competitions, including the tour of South Africa, the home Test series against England, IPL 2024, and the T20 World Cup 2024. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar said that Shami would return to full fitness for the Bangladesh Test series but missed the series.

Why These Types of Baseless Rumors? - Mohammed Shami

Earlier, Mohammed Shami denied reports that his knee injury had worsened during his recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He said that he is trying his level best to recover, calling reports "baseless rumors." Shami urged the public to avoid unofficial reports.

“Why these type of baseless rumors? I’m working hard and trying my level best to recover. Neither the BCCI nor me have mentioned that I am out of the Border Gavaskar series. I request the public to stop paying attention to such news from unofficial sources. Please stop and don’t spread such fake fake fake & fake news, especially without my statement,” Shami posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia will start on November 22 in Perth. The series is expected to be highly entertaining with significance in the World Test Championship standings. India aims to secure a hat-trick of victories after winning their last two away series against Australia.

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