Mohammed Shami OUT of ICC Champions Trophy? BCCI leaks fitness details of Akash Deep and Shami

Mohammed Shami is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to the Indian cricket team. Having been out of action since the 2023 ODI World Cup final in November 2023, the seasoned Indian pacer is now set to make a comeback for the upcoming white-ball series at home and could even bolster India's squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

After undergoing surgery on his right heel and recovering from a minor knee swelling, Mohammed Shami has gradually returned to competitive cricket. While the heel injury has fully healed, the knee issue kept the Indian pacer out of action for the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which won by Australia last week.

Mohammed Shami set for comeback with England series ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

As reported by Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical team has been keeping a watchful eye on Mohammed Shami throughout his recovery journey. Recently, Shami showcased his readiness by participating in a couple of games for Bengal in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.

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The senior Indian pacer is now gearing up for the pre-quarterfinal clash against Haryana in Baroda. His appearances in domestic tournaments, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 2024-25, have been carefully supervised by National Cricket Academy (NCA) physios and trainers, ensuring a smooth path for him to make successful comeback.

The National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical team is closely monitoring Shami, with at least one physio or trainer from the NCA accompanying him at all times, according to the BCCI. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in Rajkot, multiple NCA personnel were present to support Shami, and most recently, an NCA physio was seen supervising the Indian pacer and all-rounder Hardik Pandya during sessions in Hyderabad.

NCA's go-ahead mandatory for Mohammed Shami's recall

Well, the Indian selection committee is expected to be present in Baroda to closely assess Shami’s performance during the knockout stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. Early reports claimed that Shami’s bowling remains sharp and effective, raising hopes for a trouble-free comeback. With the NCA’s final clearance pending, there’s a growing sense of optimism about Shami’s return to the action for the England series to give a trial for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Meanwhile, Akash Deep is set to miss the upcoming white-ball series against England, along with key bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Akash Deep, who missed the final Test against Australia due to back pain, is expected to be sidelined for at least a month. He will report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation.

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Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj set to miss England series

However, Akash Deep is yet to make his debut in white-ball cricket, but his rising potential has made him a contender for the England series, especially with Bumrah and Siraj unavailable due to their heavy workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Both Siraj and Bumrah bowled over 150 overs on the Australia tour and are set to be rested to ensure their fitness for the Champions Trophy 2025.

However, Jasprit Bumrah’s situation remains uncertain. After suffering back spasms during the final Test against Australia, he is awaiting medical clearance from the NCA. The selectors are hopeful of Bumrah’s recovery in time for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He is expected to report to the NCA soon.