Shami Ruled Out of Remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been sidelined for the fourth and fifth Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to swelling in his left knee. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement detailing his condition, just days after captain Rohit Sharma sought an update on Shami’s progress following questions about his fitness after the Brisbane Test.

The BCCI explained that Shami had a demanding workload leading up to the Tests. 

"Shami bowled 43 overs in the Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November," the BCCI said in a statement. "Following this, he played in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he also engaged in additional bowling sessions on the sidelines to build his bowling volume in order to get ready for the Test matches."

"However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload. The swelling is on the expected lines, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period.

According to the BCCI's medical team, Shami’s knee requires more time for controlled recovery: "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."

Shami’s absence from India’s playing XI stretches back to the ODI World Cup final in November last year. Following the tournament, he underwent surgery in February to address a heel injury. The BCCI confirmed that he has fully recovered from the heel issue and is now focusing on tailored strength and conditioning exercises at the Centre of Excellence to prepare for the rigours of Test cricket.

While Shami was excluded from Bengal’s squad for their Vijay Hazare Trophy opener on December 21, the BCCI stated that his participation in the tournament will depend on the progress of his knee rehabilitation.