Huge blow for Gujarat Titans! Mohammed Shami ruled out of IPL 2024 - Reports

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a left ankle injury. Mohammed Shami is likely to undergo surgery in the United Kingdom, according to the latest PTI report.

Mohammed Shami has been out of action since the World Cup 2023 final against Australia, where India suffered a heartbreaking loss. The pacer was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, securing 24 wickets in seven matches at an impressive average of 10.70.

The 33-year-old pacer missed the crucial Test series against South Africa in away conditions. He was expected to make his comeback during the home series against England. However, Shami failed to regain his full fitness to participate in the ongoing red-ball series.

Mohammed Shami Ruled Out Of IPL 2024

According to a PTI report on Thursday, Mohammed Shami traveled to London in late January for specialized ankle injections, but they failed to yield results, leaving surgery as the only remaining option.

“Shami was in London in last week of January to take special ankle injections and he was told that after three weeks, he can start light running and take it from thereon.”

“But the injection hasn’t worked and now the only option left is surgery. He will shortly leave for UK for surgery. IPL seems out of question,” a senior BCCI source said on the condition of anonymity, as quoted by PTI.

Mohammed Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the IPL 2023 while representing the Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise. He picked up 28 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 18.64, with best figures of 4/11. Despite his efforts, the team finished as the runners-up.

NCA’s Approach Hasn’t Been Effective In Mohammed Shami’s Situation

The situation casts doubt on the effectiveness of the injury rehabilitation program designed by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Shami is unlikely to recover before India’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand in October and November.

According to sources, direct surgery should have been considered earlier by the NCA, as a mere two months of rest and injections were unlikely to suffice. Shami’s presence may be crucial for the Indian team during their Test series in Australia later this year.

“Shami should have gone directly for surgery and that should have been NCA’s call. Just two months of rest and injections wouldn’t have worked well and that’s what has happened. He is an asset and the Indian team would need him in Australia,” the source said.

The Indian team will host Bangladesh in September-October, followed by a three-match Test series against New Zealand in October–November. The Men in Blue will travel to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between November and January.

Shami has represented the national team in 229 Tests, 195 ODIs, and 24 T20 matches in his decade-long career. He has taken 229 wickets in Tests, 195 wickets in ODIs, and 24 wickets in T20s respectively. He was recently conferred with the Arjuna Award.

Also read: Mohammed Shami responds to critics from Pakistan who wanted World Cup to become a religious event