New Delhi: India announced the squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh starting on September 19. The squad announcement raised some eyebrows as it witnessed the exclusion of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. While the return of big names like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant attracted a lot of attention, the absence of Shami, left everybody thinking.
Shami, who is a crucial part of India’s bowling unit, has been pout of action since ODI World Cup 2023 due to an injury. But recently, many videos and photos of the star bowler emerged on social media which indicated that he has regained his fitness and is ready for action. The videos that circulated were of Shami practicing hard at the nets and doing some stern exercises at the gym.
Selectors don’t want a rushed return
Since the pace bowler has not been included, it seems that BCCI chief selector and other members of the selection committee are not in favour of a rushed return. According to multiple media reports, Shami is expected to represent Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, starting on October 11, to regain match fitness before making himself available for national selection.
This indicates that the Indian team management wants that Shami should be fully fit for the crucial series ahead like the Tests against New Zealand and the all important Border- Gavaskar Trophy. As India prepares for the first Test against Bangladesh from September 19-23 in, the absence of Shami highlights the challenges and dynamics within the squad.
While his participation in the Ranji Trophy in October is also not official but it is being expected that he will most likely feature in the games which will serve as practice for the upcoming Test series’. The cricketing community will be keenly watching Shami’s progress in the Ranji Trophy, as he will be integral to India’s aspirations in the upcoming matches to reach the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.
While the return of big names like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant attracted a lot of attention, the absence of Mohammed Shami for the Bangladesh Tests left everybody thinking. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
