Mohammed Shami's Bengal teammate fires warning about pacer's form, leaves Team India worried

The Indian cricket fraternity is eagerly waiting for Mohammed Shami's return to international cricket. The right-arm pacer has not donned the Indian jersey since 19 November 2023 when he represented the team in the ODI World Cup final against Australia.

Immediately after the World Cup, the fast bowler was sidelined due to an ankle injury. He had to undergo surgery as well and could not play competitive cricket for a year. Mohammed Shami finally returned to competitive cricket in November last year when he turned up for Bengal in domestic cricket.

He is now gearing up for his much-awaited return to international cricket. The senior fast-bowler has been named in the India squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. He has also been included in the squad for next month's ICC Champions Trophy.

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While only time will tell how things unfold in the coming days, Mohammed Shami's Bengal teammate Anustup Majumdar has fired a timely warning for those who are expecting the pacer to hit the ground running. In a recent interview, Majumdar said that although Shami has looked sharp in recent days, he is unlikely to be at his best any time soon.

Majumdar, however, said that Shami has enough time to regain his best form ahead of the Champions Trophy. He stated that the upcoming series against England will be very crucial for Shami to hit the top gear.

"I think the way we are used to seeing Shami in full throttle, like in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, may need some time. He has time before the Champions Trophy to get into that zone and fitness, and the England series will be crucial. You have to understand that he has always been a very different bowler from the rest with his line, length, swing, and pace," said Majumdar while speaking to SportsBoom.com.

Anustup Majumdar on Mohammed Shami's form:

Having seen Mohammed Shami's return to competitive cricket from close quarters, Majumdar opened up about his state teammate's form. He stated that Shami looked sharp when he played the Vijay Hazare Trophy game against Haryana earlier this month. Shami had picked up 3 wickets in that game.

"The name, Shami, has an impact in itself. There was a long gap between his first match in the Ranji Trophy last year [in November], and the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Haryana in the New Year.

"His bowling improved while playing these matches. I sensed an increase in pace, and he is bowling sharper lengths. Physically, he looks in good shape with a lean build. The delivery that cleaned up Rajat Patidar in the Ranji match in Indore had class written all over it," Majumdar said.

India will be hoping that Shami will regain his best form soon. With uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the Champions Trophy due to injury, Shami is expected to lead India's pace attack in the marquee event.