IND vs ENG: Mohammed Shami Ruled Out Of First Two Tests Against England, Suryakumar Yadav To Undergo Surgery - Reports

Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is reportedly ruled out of the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match series against England. As per recent reports, Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from a heel injury, has yet to commence bowling training.

Mohammed Shami delivered a standout performance in the recent ODI World Cup 2023. The right-arm pacer emerged as the tournament’s top wicket-taker. He took 24 wickets in seven games with an impressive average of 10.70, featuring three five-wicket hauls.

The 33-year-old was excluded from the India squad for the recently concluded two-match Test series against South Africa. Although initially named in the Indian Test squad, he did not receive fitness clearance from the BCCI Medical Team and team management.

Mohammed Shami Hasn’t Even Started To Bowl – Reports

According to a report by the Indian Express, Mohammed Shami has not begun bowling yet, and his participation in the first two Tests against England appears doubtful. Suryakumar Yadav might require eight to nine weeks before he can commence training.

“Shami hasn’t even started to bowl, he will have to go to NCA and prove his fitness. He looks doubtful for the first two Tests against England,” a source in the Indian board told the Indian Express.

India is likely to rotate its fast bowlers throughout the Test series, especially considering the spin-friendly conditions. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who were rested for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, will feature in the series against England.

BCCI To Send Suryakumar Yadav Abroad For Surgery

Suryakumar Yadav, the No.1 ranked T20I batter, sustained an ankle injury while fielding in the third T20I against South Africa at the Wanderers. He has been excluded from the squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, starting on January 11.

Suryakumar is grappling with a hernia that necessitates surgery. The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring Yadav and is seeking specialist opinions on Yadav’s hernia condition. The cricket board is contemplating sending him abroad for the required procedure.

“In Yadav’s case, he will take more time than expected. After his hernia operation, it might take up to eight weeks for him to start training. Hopefully, he will be fit during the IPL,” the source said

Suryakumar Yadav was not anticipated to participate in the Test series against England. The middle-order batter is expected to return to action during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). He is expected to play a crucial role for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.

India T20I squad for Afghanistan series: Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar.

Also read: IND vs SA: “Mohammed Shami Will Be A Big Miss But..”- Rohit Sharma Reveals India’s 3rd Pacer