New Delhi: Star India speedster Mohammed Shami recently said that he wants to ensure that he becomes 100 percent fit after the ankle surgery recovery period and if need be, he will feature in domestic cricket to test his fitness, without setting a timeline on his highly-awaited return to international cricket. He last played for Team India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and has since been on the sidelines.
Shami sustained an injury on his ankle, for which he underwent surgery earlier this year. He was a guest at the recently held Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) annual awards ceremony, where he was felicitated for his outstanding performances. Speaking at the event, he expressed his desire to be at his physical best before taking the field.
“Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyon ki main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time). However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I’ve to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort,” Shami informed reporters as quoted by PTI.
“The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don’t want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand, or the Australia series. I’ve already started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I am 100% fit,” Shami added.
There were some reports last month on Shami likely to be making a comeback to competitive cricket for his domestic team Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. He was also reported to be making an international appearance later in one of the three Test matches against New Zealand. It has been understood that Shami will be playing either one or two of Bengal’s opening Ranji matches – against UP which is on October 11 and against Bihar on October 18.
If I need to play domestic, I will – Shami
The 34-year-old right-arm pacer also hinted at the possibility of playing domestic matches before making an international comeback. “If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will. What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format,” he said.
As India gears up for the 10 Tests they will be playing in the coming months, out of which five are against Australia as part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shami is expected to be a key figure in Team India’s preps. When asked about the highly-anticipated series, Shami gave his take – “Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (We are the favourites, they should be worried).”
Shami, an Uttar Pradesh-born, has been long associated with Bengal cricket for which the CAB recognised him. “I often say I was born in UP but made in Bengal. This is a journey of over 20 years, and I am grateful for the love and support Bengal has shown me,” said Shami.
Mohammed Shami dropped a major update on his comeback for Team India saying that he is still under the recovery process and won’t rush it so as to make sure he has no discomfort when he returns. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
