Win Projections to be updated soon
Mohammed Shami’s much-anticipated return to competitive cricket has hit another snag. The star Indian pacer has been excluded from Bengal’s squad for the next two rounds of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. This news comes as a disappointment to fans eager to see him back on the field after a lengthy absence.
Mohammed Shami’s Injury Update
Shami, who turned 34 this year, has not played a match since the ODI World Cup final on November 19, 2023. He had expressed optimism about participating in upcoming Ranji Trophy matches to regain match fitness. However, his hopes have been dashed as he was not named in the Bengal squad for their upcoming fixtures against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
The fast bowler underwent surgery in February and has been recovering since. Although he proclaimed himself 100% pain-free, his absence from the first three rounds of the Ranji Trophy raised concerns about his readiness for competitive play.
Shami Focusing on Fitness
In a recent statement, Shami emphasized his focus on fitness rather than rushing back into competitive cricket. “The Australia series is still far away. The only thing I want to focus on is how to keep myself fit,” he said. He acknowledged the importance of being fully prepared before joining the national team for the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla had previously expressed hope that Shami would be able to play in the fourth and fifth rounds of the Ranji Trophy. “He is a valuable player for India, and his services will be required for the Australia series,” Shukla noted. However, with Shami’s current exclusion, it now seems unlikely that he will get the necessary game time before the Test series begins.
The fourth round of the Ranji Trophy starts on November 6, with Bengal set to face Karnataka in Bengaluru. Following that, they will play Madhya Pradesh in Indore starting November 13. These matches are crucial not just for Bengal but also for Shami’s prospects of making a return to international cricket.
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