Mohammed Shami’s return to competitive cricket after knee surgery has sparked conversations about his potential inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. Shami, who last played for India during the 2023 ODI World Cup, recently showcased his skills by taking seven wickets in a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. Despite this performance, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has cautioned against rushing Shami back into Test cricket.
Shami’s Comeback Raises Questions
Shami’s performance in the Ranji Trophy marked his first competitive outing in over a year. He bowled 19 and 24.2 overs across two innings, signaling progress in his recovery. However, Chopra believes the fast bowler is still “undercooked” for the rigors of Test cricket, especially against a challenging Australian side.
“The selectors are eager to send Shami to Australia to join Rohit Sharma and the team. However, expecting him to perform in a Test match after just one domestic game might be asking too much,” Chopra stated on his YouTube channel.
The Challenge of Rushing Shami
Chopra pointed out that Shami’s recent match wasn’t broadcast, making it difficult to fully assess his readiness. While his wicket haul was impressive, Chopra argued that transitioning directly to Test cricket might not be ideal for someone returning after a long layoff.
“We all want to see Shami alongside Bumrah and Siraj. That trio has a special aura. But considering his current state, it’s clear he needs more time to regain his rhythm,” Chopra explained.
India’s Pace Options
The current pace attack for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy includes experienced campaigners Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, supported by emerging talents like Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana. Chopra emphasized that while Shami’s experience would undoubtedly bolster the squad, pushing him into the playing XI too soon could backfire.
“India’s pace lineup lacks depth without Shami, but rushing him back might do more harm than good. Let him play more domestic cricket to build match fitness,” Chopra added.
Advice for Selectors
Chopra urged chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir to stick to their original plans and avoid making impulsive decisions about Shami’s inclusion.
“Allow Shami the time he needs to fully recover and regain his form. Hasty decisions could lead to setbacks, which we can’t afford in a crucial series like this,” Chopra advised.
A Deliberate Approach
While fans and selectors are eager to see the return of India’s premier pacer, Chopra’s measured approach underscores the importance of ensuring Shami is completely prepared. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a high-stakes series, and having a fully fit Shami in the future could be more beneficial than a rushed comeback.
