Mohammed Shami’s return to Team India: BCCI introduces strict deadline and major condition

New Delhi: According to reports, Mohammed Shami has a limited time to catch the attention of the selectors for a spot in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 squad. After a lengthy period on the sidelines due to injury, Shami has returned to competitive cricket and is currently being closely monitored by the BCCI's medical team. Following an impressive performance in his first Ranji Trophy match back with Bengal, Shami's performance in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 games will be critical in determining his selection. Furthermore, reports indicate that Shami is advised to work on his fitness and shed some weight to meet the team's standards.

A BCCI source, as reported by The Times of India on November 22, said, “What one needs to see is when he can let go of the dependency on the BCCI’s medical team, which is treating him after every spell he is bowling.”

“The medical team feels he will start losing weight as he keeps playing matches, which will help build his endurance. Since the Ranji Trophy leg is over, the first round of SMAT matches have been kept as a makeshift yardstick,” the source said.

According to the report, Shami’s training and recovery routine while with the Bengal team is being overseen by BCCI’s head of sports science Nitin Patel and National Cricket Academy (NCA) trainer Nishant Bordoloi.

Shami’s SMAT matches began on November 23, giving him 10 days to prove his fitness, as reported.

The report further suggests that Shami may not be rushed back to cricket, with the ICC Champions Trophy in February being a key consideration.

If Shami’s recovery goes completely as planned, he could feature from the third Test, starting December 14.

“Bowling two-over spells in T20 matches in SMAT isn’t the ideal parameter. Maintaining intensity in a high-profile Test series is a different ball game. There is a chance he could be sent to train with Team India if he clears the SMAT challenge, but playing him will be a good call. The selectors are also wary about the Champions Trophy in February,” said the source.

In Shami’s absence, Team India performed admirably in the first Test at Perth. Stand-in captain and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah claimed eight wickets, Mohammed Siraj took five, and debutant Harshit Rana grabbed four, as India secured a 295-run victory.