Mohammed Shami’s comeback date revealed as CAB President leaks private chat details

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Snehasish Ganguly has revealed the return date of the premier speedster Mohammed Shami. Ganguly has confirmed that Shami is inching close to his spectacular comeback in the competitive action.

The 33-year-old fast bowler has been named in a 31-strong list of Bengal probables, and Ganguly revealed that Shami confirmed to him that he will play a couple of matches in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Mohammed Shami confirmed for Ranji Trophy comeback

The CAB President is hoping that Mohammed Shami will make his much-anticipated comeback with Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Uttar Pradesh scheduled for October 11. The Indian pacer is also likely to play in Bengal’s first home Ranji match against Bihar on October 18.

Ganguly made these revelations after having a crucial conversation with the senior pacer. Mohammed Shami is currently recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where he has been undergoing rigorous rehab following heel surgery.

It is being said that Mohammed Shami is now in the final stages of his recovery, hitting the nets with full intensity and ramping up his workload. However, the CAB president didn’t make any comment regarding the pacer’s rehab, but he was confident that he would be fully fit before the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Mohammed Shami's last appearance for India was in the dramatic 2023 ODI World Cup final, where he played through significant pain due to an Achilles tendon issue. After undergoing surgery in London earlier this year, Shami has been frequently sharing updates on his lengthy recovery process.

I think Shami would be fully fit before Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Snehasish Ganguly

Snehasish Ganguly was quoted as saying by RevSportz: “Yes, I had a conversation with him (Shami). Accordingly, we have included him in the Bengal probables. He told me he would play a couple of matches. I don’t know the exact process he (Shami) has been going through. But by the time the Ranji Trophy starts, I think he would be fully fit.”

Earlier, Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said that they have set the timeline for Shami to make a comeback with an upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home while announcing the teams for the Sri Lanka tour.

The India vs Bangladesh Test series will start on September 19 in Chennai, and Ganguly hinted that Shami will miss the home series, reiterating that the pacer will not be fit until the start of the Ranji season.

Mohammed Shami will miss the Bangladesh Test series

Snehasish signed off by saying, “It looks like that, although I’m not sure. I don’t have a detailed update, but maybe he will start playing from the Ranji Trophy.”

Notably, after the Bangladesh series, Team India will play three Tests against New Zealand in October-November at home before embarking on an Australia tour for the five-match Test series later this year.

The national selectors and the team management want Shami to be on the flight for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, so they will certainly bring the pacer back in the team for the New Zealand Tests in order to give him some game time before the crucial Australia tour.