Mohammed Shami's career over? India coach provides worrying news

Sitanshu Kotak, Team India's new batting coach, provided an update on veteran Mohammed Shami's fitness ahead of the third T20I against England. Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that Mohammed Shami is fit but added that the decision to include him in the playing XI will be made by the team management.

Kotak's remarks came after Mohammed Shami missed the first two T20Is in the ongoing five-match series. The veteran pace bowler's absence raised concerns about his fitness. Shami last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final in November, where the Men in Blue suffered a heartbreaking defeat.

I Am Not The One Who Can Answer - Sitanshu Kotak On Mohammed Shami

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the third T20I between India and England, Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that Mohammed Shami is fit. However, Kotak clarified that the decision on whether Shami plays in the match will be made by the team management, not him.

"Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer. The call on when he will play will be taken by the team management," Kotak said.

Sitanshu Kotak Confirms Plan for Mohammed Shami in Upcoming Matches

Kotak said that head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav will be overseeing and managing Shami's workload ahead of the Champions Trophy starting on February 19. Kotak also stated that Shami's fitness isn't an issue.

"There is definitely a plan (for Shami) for coming matches as well as ODIs, but the coach Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call. And fitness, definitely not a problem depending on how they are planning to build this load," Kotak added.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led team secured a seven-wicket victory at Eden Gardens in Chennai, followed by a two-wicket victory at Chepauk in the next game. Arshdeep Singh was the only genuine fast bowler in the playing XI, and Hardik Pandya contributed with his pace bowling.

Mohammed Shami Underwent Ankle Surgery in February Last Year

Shami is returning to international cricket after over a year, having last played more than one year ago. The right-arm pacer participated in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Shami hasn't yet played in the ongoing T20I series against England.

He was selected for the T20I squad in preparation for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. The 34-year-old will play a crucial role in the ICC 2025 Champions Trophy, especially with doubts surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness. He could represent India in the white-ball series against England.

He underwent ankle surgery in February of the previous year. While he played in domestic shorter formats, he wasn’t fully fit in time for selection to India's Test squad for the series against Australia. However, the management wants to prevent injury or issues similar to those faced by Jasprit Bumrah.

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