Star India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has recently expressed uncertainty about his return to international cricket. Having been sidelined since the ODI World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury, Shami underwent successful surgery in February and has been in rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
At a recent event in Kolkata, Shami admitted he is unsure of his exact comeback date but plans to first play for his domestic team, Bengal, to prepare for his international return. "It's difficult to say when I'll be back. I'm working hard, and hopefully, you'll see me in Bengal colours before I return to the India squad. I plan to play two or three matches for Bengal and will come fully prepared," Shami said.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has indicated that Shami could be fit for India's home series against Bangladesh, which includes two Test matches starting September 19, followed by three T20Is.
Shami further revealed he did not anticipate the severity of his injury. Initially, he intended to address it after the T20 World Cup, but it worsened during the ODI World Cup.
Despite missing the first four matches of the ODI World Cup, Shami emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets from seven innings. His standout performance included a record-breaking 7/57 against New Zealand in the semi-final. Shami’s return will be crucial for India, especially for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year.