Watch: Mohammed Shami teases Indian fans with latest Instagram post on his comeback to team India
Published - 17 Jul 2024, 11:34 AM | Updated - 24 Aug 2024, 05:57 AM
Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is making progress toward a return to the India National Cricket Team after recovering from an ankle injury. Mohammed Shami has resumed bowling in the nets and shared the video from the practice session on his official social media handle on Tuesday, July 16.
Mohammed Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup 2023, where India suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the summit clash in Ahmedabad. Shami sustained the ankle injury during the 50-over tournament. However, the right-arm pacer continued to represent the team in the ICC event.
The pacer was the top wicket-taker of the ICC tournament, claiming 24 wickets in seven matches at an impressive average of 10.70. He also became the fastest bowler to reach 50 wickets in the tournament's history. However, he has been unavailable for both international matches and the IPL since the tournament.
Watch: Mohammed Shami Hints at His Comeback
On Tuesday, Mohammed Shami shared a video on Instagram of himself bowling in the nets at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Shami has recovered from his ankle injury but did not bowl with full intensity. However, his return to training is a positive sign for India ahead of their upcoming Test schedule.
“Vibing with the latest, grinding for the greatest. #shami #mdshami #mdshami11 #hardwork #practice,” Shami captioned his post on the Facebook-owned platform.
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The 33-year-old pacer had to pull out of the South Africa series in December and January due to severe ankle pain. Shami went on to miss the five-match home Test series against England. During his absence, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep have been given opportunities to make their Test debuts.
Mohammed Shami underwent Achilles tendon surgery earlier this year and missed the IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup 2024. Under the close supervision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the veteran pacer is expected to make a comeback during the Test series against Bangladesh in September.
Mohammad Shami Is Not Longer Young - Former India Bowling Coach
Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey emphasized the need for the new coaching staff to discuss future plans with Mohammed Shami. Mhambrey advised that the coaching staff should assess Shami's future role and fitness.
"The staff should talk to Shami and find out what he wants to do. He’s no longer young, so where does he fit in and how many more years does he look to play? How do we use him smartly? I’m sure whoever comes with Gauti will find out how to get the best of Shami," Mhambrey said in an interview with The Telegraph.
"If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia. However, what Shami wants and what his body says is paramount. But yes, some cricket is needed before the Australia tour as he has had a long break," he added.
