Mohammed Shami’s Return: Set for Ranji Trophy Before India vs New Zealand Test Series
Senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, is on track to make his competitive return in October. After months of rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Shami is expected to play in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal before rejoining the Indian squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
Shami’s Return to Domestic Cricket
According to PTI reports, Shami will make his comeback after a 10-month hiatus, starting with the Ranji Trophy, which begins on October 11. He is likely to feature in Bengal’s opening matches, with an away game against Uttar Pradesh on October 11 and a home game against Bihar in Kolkata on October 18. However, due to the tight schedule, it is anticipated that Shami may only participate in one of these fixtures.
Preparing for the New Zealand Test Series
Following his stint in the Ranji Trophy, Shami is expected to play in one of the three Tests against New Zealand, which start on October 19 in Bengaluru. The series will continue with matches in Pune on October 24 and Mumbai on November 1. Shami’s inclusion in the Test squad will be crucial as India prepares for a significant tour of Australia later in the year.
Confirmation from BCCI Officials
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed Shami’s participation in the upcoming Australia series during an interview with the Times of India. Despite concerns about his recovery timeline, Shah assured that Shami would be ready for the Border-Gavaskar Test series in December.
“Shami is a key player for us, especially with his experience in Australian conditions. We expect him to be fully fit and ready to contribute to the team’s success,” Shah stated.
Conclusion
Mohammed Shami’s return to form will be a significant boost for the Indian cricket team as they prepare for crucial series against New Zealand and Australia. His presence will add depth to the bowling attack, ensuring that India remains competitive on the international stage.