Indian pacer Mohammed Shami will miss the fourth and fifth Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy after experiencing swelling in his left knee. The decision was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an official press release, which also highlighted Shami’s recent workload and the medical staff’s recommendation for controlled recovery.Shami’s Bowling Workload Takes a Toll
Shami’s absence comes after an intensive period of cricket following his return from a heel injury earlier this year. He bowled 43 overs in a Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November and participated in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, adding additional bowling sessions to build his bowling fitness.
However, the increased workload led to minor swelling in his left knee, attributed to the heightened joint loading from prolonged bowling spells.
“The swelling is on the expected lines, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period,” the BCCI stated.
Medical Team’s Assessment
The BCCI medical team determined that Shami’s knee requires further rest and controlled recovery to handle the demands of Test cricket.
“Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI medical team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” the statement read.
Recent Injury History
Shami has been grappling with injuries over the past year. He last represented India in the ODI World Cup final in November 2023, where he delivered key performances but sustained a heel injury. Surgery for this injury in February ruled him out of action for several months.
The BCCI confirmed that while Shami has fully recovered from the heel injury, the current swelling in his knee necessitates caution.
Rohit Sharma’s Comments on Shami’s Fitness
Indian captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of taking a cautious approach to Shami’s fitness. “We’re not going to take any risk,” Rohit said during a press conference, calling for updates from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Shami’s progress.
Implications for Bengal and Domestic Cricket
Shami was not included in Bengal’s squad for their opening game in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 21. The BCCI stated that his participation in the tournament would be contingent upon the state of his knee and further medical assessments.
Road Ahead for Shami
The BCCI has outlined a focused rehabilitation plan for the fast bowler:
- Targeted Strength and Conditioning: Shami will undergo specialized training under the guidance of medical staff at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
- Building Bowling Loads: His bowling workload will be gradually increased to ensure he is ready for the physical demands of Test cricket.
India’s Pace Attack Without Shami
Shami’s absence will leave a significant void in India’s pace lineup, especially given his skill in exploiting conditions with reverse swing and pace. The Indian team will rely on its other pacers to step up in the crucial final Tests of the series.
While Mohammed Shami’s absence from the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests is a blow to India’s plans, the decision reflects a prudent approach to managing player fitness. With a structured rehabilitation plan in place, fans can expect Shami to return fully fit and ready to take on future challenges in the longest format of the game.
