Indian cricket is desperately waiting for Mohammed Shami’s comeback. The 34-year-old right-arm fast bowler was spotted bowling in the nets at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 

While the Bengaluru Test experienced India’s heartbreaking defeat against New Zealand despite a strong fight back at the late moment, Mohammed Shami’s bowling return brings some better feeling for the Indian cricket fans. 

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia at Ahmedabad was the last game for Mohammed Shami. Since then, he hasn’t played a competitive match due to his ankle injury. Last February, Shami underwent surgery in London. He is currently in the recovery process.

Indian cricket isn’t rushing on Shami, which can bring some severe risk to his cricket career. After missing the two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, he hasn’t been selected for the ongoing three-match home Test series against New Zealand.

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After the New Zealand Test series at home, India will travel to South Africa for a T20I series before touring Australia for a much-awaited five-match Test series (Border-Gavaskar Trophy). The Indian national cricket team is expecting him in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but there are still significant questions and doubts about his availability for the series.

Mohammed Shami bowled for more than an hour

At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Shami was seen in fielding drills and also bowled for more than an hour on Sunday (October 20). While he was bowling with heavy strapping on his left knee, he still bowled in full rhythm to the batter Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach.

The new bowling coach Morne Morkel was observing Shami’s bowling. 

Mohammed Shami in action 🔥@MdShami11 pic.twitter.com/qzXHHub4J9

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) October 20, 2024

Shami was also seen to bowl at the end of the second day of the Bengaluru Test match. 

Shami was the leading wicket-taker in the last ODI World Cup

Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. While the hosts India finished as the runners-up, Shami took 24 wickets in only seven games, including three fifers. Initially, he wasn’t selected in the playing XIs for India’s first four fixtures.