Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami’s return to the national team remains uncertain as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru is yet to clear him for international duties. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has completed all formalities, including Shami’s visa and kit preparation, but the final decision hinges on his fitness report.
Shami’s Recovery Journey
The 34-year-old pacer, who underwent ankle surgery, faced an additional setback with a knee injury during his rehabilitation. However, Shami successfully made his domestic comeback with Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, where he impressed by taking seven wickets in a four-day match. He further showcased his form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament, picking up eight wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 7.67.
Despite these performances, the NCA medical team is cautious about clearing Shami for a high-stakes international return. A BCCI official, speaking to The Indian Express, revealed:
“The selection committee is waiting for the NCA’s fitness clearance report on Shami. His kit is ready, and visa formalities are complete. We are just awaiting approval from the NCA.”
India’s Struggles Highlight Need for Shami
The Indian team in Australia is keen to have Shami back, particularly after their pace attack faltered in the ongoing pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Jasprit Bumrah has been the lone standout performer, while Mohammed Siraj has been inconsistent. The younger pacers, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, have struggled to maintain control, which allowed Australian batter Travis Head to dominate with ease.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri voiced his concerns during commentary, emphasizing the importance of Shami’s return:
“The quicker he (Shami) reaches here, the better. He brings experience and firepower that the team desperately needs.”
Timeline for Return
Shami’s last Test appearance was during the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, and he also featured in the ODI World Cup final in November. With little time between the current day-night Test and the third Test in Brisbane starting December 14, it seems unlikely that Shami will be available for the Brisbane fixture.
However, there remains a possibility for Shami to join the squad for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne if he clears the fitness tests conducted by the NCA medical team, led by Nitin Patel, and convinces the selection committee.
As the Indian team faces mounting pressure in Australia, Shami’s potential return could provide the much-needed boost to the pace attack in the remaining matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
