Mohammad Shami is back on to cricket field where he left the World Cup 2023 due to ankle injury, coming back into another ICC event is not that easy job. Even after coming back and delivering straight away requires a different type of strength. Mohammad Shami was in an ellite form in World Cup 2023 where his pace and wicket taking ability had became a serious headache to the opposition. 

It was during the final of the World Cup 2023 and India poised a mere target to chase, It was upto bowlers who would give the possible outcome of the match. But after few overs when Shami came to bowl he started feeling uncomfortable which resulted in his ankle injury. 

The Pain To Leave The Field

Mohammad Shami revealed in his latest interview that it was really painful not for the pain but leaving the field without delivering for the country. He lost the hope of coming back in blue jersey. He encountered the incident with the doctor asking when he will be back on cricket field. His reply was simple that first his job is to make him walk, then jog and to run the hard yards. After listening his words carefully, I thought it would take a long endure time and lots of thought were running in my mind

Read More : Virat Kohli On And Off Form May Trouble India In ICC Champions Trophy

Whether I will back to the team will I able to play for India. After my operation my family became the biggest supporter of mine. After few months I was asked to walk, it was so nerve wrecking and so much of pain thought it would be end of mine. But my supporters became my biggest strength even BCCI gave their full support which gave the strength to regain the confidence beneath me.

Striving the hunger back

It was hard and painful swollen knees to calm down monitoring day and night, but it was all worth for Shami because his aim to play for India was way more than of it. After one year of hard training and rehabhilation finally it was all worth for Shami. Still he was kept on hold for the Bgt series not to give hard yards because BCCI didn't want to take necessary step to endure further injury. 

Due to Bumrah injury in recent BGT series no main experience bowlers were there for England series and ICC Champions Trophy so Shami was fastracked and tried for England series where he was clicking the clock better. Then what he was on the team sheet of Champions Trophy. Shami played the first match of the ICC Champions Trophy were he took 5 wickets and restricted Bangladesh to 227. This comeback was not easy for Shami but the desire to play for his country and the toughness he possesd was great. 

India Leaves Out Mohammed Shami for 1st T20I Against England

In Kolkata at Eden Gardens, the Indian cricket team's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, decided they would bowl first against England in the first T20I game last Wednesday. It may seem unfathomable, but Mohammed Shami, a really experienced bowler, didn't get picked to play even though everybody was very happy to see him come back after being out for a while because of a heel operation.

Shami hadn't played since the ICC ODI World Cup final in November 2023, but he was getting ready to make a comeback, playing in some domestic games to find his skill again. However, Suryakumar said during the toss that they wanted to play to their strengths. Through this piece, it's key to understand why Shami, with all his experience, wasn't in the game.

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The team management felt pretty solid about their bowling lineup and how it suited the conditions in Kolkata, so they left Shami out. By all means, this decision confused a lot of people because Shami's skills in T20 cricket are well known. Despite that, Suryakumar was hopeful about the series, saying the pitch at the stadium was somewhat sticky and they were expecting dew to make things fraught later on.

Mister Yadav praised his team's preparations and was excited about facing England. Shami's potential return to international cricket was an important issue, especially after he missed the test series in Australia in December 2023, where India didn't do too well. Now, with the T20I series going on, whether Shami will play in future games makes everyone unsure. Meanwhile, even with a group that does not agree on the best strategy, India's bowling team is ready to take on England taking  on the conditions and their recent good form to see them through.

"It Hurts, But I Accept It": Suryakumar Yadav on Champions Trophy Snub, Eyes On T20I format

Suryakumar Yadav, who is unfathomably proficient at T20 cricket and the captain of Team India in T20 Format, is potentially amenable to not being picked for the Champions Trophy team. Surya  wholly invested in leading India in the five T20I games against England that start on Wednesday, even though he won't be playing in the champions trophy.

Suryakumar( SKY) , spoke honestly about how being left out does sting a bit. surya  said it would obviously bother him because if he had played better, he would've made the group. But since he didn't, he's quite accepting of accepting that. surya  also thinks the team chosen for the Champions Trophy is solid because those players have been conjoining it in ODIs for India. The group is looking top rate, he said, recognizing the players who got selected. Then, to explain the details on why he might not have been picked, it is certainly obvious that his ODI game hasn't been as amazing as his T20 skills. In 37 ODI matches, he's only scored 773 runs, which averages out to 25.76 per game, not demonstrating the full extent of his talents.

Suryakumar Yadav said "If I do well, I would have been in Champions Trophy - if I don't do well, it's important to accept that - if you see the squad, its looking really good, they are all good performers - I am very happy for them - it hurts to think that I have not done well - if I had done well, I would have stayed there"

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Suryakumar thinks that having Bumrah and Shami around is a major plus for India's chances. Surya remembered how amazing they were in the 2023 ODI World Cup and is hoping they'll be victorious in the Champions Trophy too. It's a bit unclear why, but Jasprit Bumrah can't play in the T20I series against England because of back troubles since the Sydney Test. Still, Suryakumar is staying positive about seeing Bumrah team with Shami in the Champions Trophy. It may seem odd, but the T20I series against England is also a chance for Suryakumar to show what he can do and try hard to keep his place in the ODI team. Mister Yadav's really set on helping the team win and making completely certain he's chosen again.

Shami’s Intense Training Marks Key Step in Comeback Ahead of England T20I Series

Mohammed Shami, after a long break from playing for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, was fully committed at Kolkata's first training session for the T20I series against England, beginning on January 22. To concentrate on the main point, Shami had his knee taped but didn't let that stop him. Mister Shami tried very hard, bowling for more than an hour while Morne Morkel, the bowling coach, kept an eye on every move.

Despite being ready to play after getting over ankle surgery, Shami missed out on the Border-Gavaskar Test series because his knee was swollen. Getting into what happened at the practice, Shami didn't waste time. Mister Shami started with marking his spot on the pitch and began warming up on a half run  for 20 minutes before moving to his full run up, where openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were waiting to face him. Besides bowling, he even worked on fielding, grasping some catches under the watchful eyes of fielding coach T Dilip and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Shami, being 34, is looking to be the top man leading India's pace attack against England in the T20I and ODI series. Everyone's eyes are on his fitness, which has been shaky for over a year.

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He's BACK 💪🏻

Team India 🇮🇳
Mohd. Shami 😎
Eden Gardens 🏟️

Just perfect 👌🏻#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @MdShami11 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/PwCuEOcaDA

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 20, 2025

How fit he is will be vitally important for the Champions Trophy starting from February 19 . The matches against England are a way to test if Shami's ready and in good shape for that important event. To conclude this statement, Mohammed Shami, stepping up at training in Kolkata, tells us he's dead serious about getting back into the game strong, after not playing internationally for a bit. Even with the entire knee issue in the past, his effort and improvement show he's on track to be the main man for India in bowling against England. How well he does could really help India figure things out for the Champions Trophy and prove he's really valuable, or should I say, a  cricket star in the cricket world.

Mohammed Shami Career Stats

Bowling

Mohammed Shami: The Backbone of India's Pace Revival for 2025

The cricket tournament in 2025 is coming soon, and Team India will likely do better with Mohammed Shami back. Mr. Shami's a very skilled fast bowler famous for accuracy and sudden movements of the ball. Shami coming back should help the team be more even and strong when throwing the ball. They want to win the trophy again, and the old player helps add both experience and an extra edge.Shami, who has been a vitally important player when the ball gets tossed over the years, has plenty of knowledge.

Mr. Shami has played in major competitions and caused key moments where they break through the opponent's lineup, and because he can be calm during stress, that helps. Mr. Shami is versatile whether it is when the ball is new or used, allowing for all different play conditionsThe Champions Trophy event includes some very talented teams from all over the planet.

That needs both skills and experience to compete, and also staying spectacular during play. Shami's story at these events speaks for itself. From his good work in 2015 to the other work from past years, Shami proves that he does great when things become really challenging. His return might help the pace unit but also works well in supporting newer bowlers on the team by teaching them about the game.Team India's throwers should look very strong for the 2025 trophy.

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🚨 MOHAMMAD SHAMI TIME IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY...!!! 🚨
The veteran pacer, Mohammad Shami, is reportedly set to be picked for the 2025 Champions Trophy squad! (via News18)

Can he deliver big on the grand stage again? 🏏🔥#ChampionsTrophy2025 #MohammadShami #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/DxTKIR49ZB

— Kunal Bhanwala (@KunalBhanwala) January 7, 2025

Shami is leading the other trained players, making the team good for a large amount of various locations and fields. His history on the field will be important for close plays when calm attitude plays a large part. Sometimes, yet rarely so, Shami's turning point during the game is what will cause the group to win. India's bowling is gussied up, and in the final analysis, this will hopefully end well for the country's players; in truth, it's in the air to decide whether a positive outcome happens.Everyone's been waiting for the important game, and Shami coming back makes it significantly more exciting.

Having him there helps the team win more, and it feels calming because he is a first-rate pitcher for India. Mr. Shami will be trying hard, and since the competition is important, the entire world is just looking to see how he does, because they want to witness another great moment.

Mohammed Shami Career Stats

Star India pacer Mohammed Shami wasn't pleased seeing Sanjay Manjrekar sharing his views on Shami's potential bid in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Shami, who remains one of the most important pacers in the Indian spectrum, slammed Manjrekar after the latter predicted a drop in the pacer's price tag at the upcoming IPL auction as well.

While Manjrekar has no doubts that there would be a lot of teams who will be after Shami in the auction, he doesn't feel the pacer would bag more than INR 6.25 crore as well, as he was bought by the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2022 auction.

Shami could fetch a good bit in the IPL 2025 auction

"There will definitely be interest from teams, but given Shami's injury history — and this recent one took a significant amount of time to recover — there's always a concern about a potential breakdown during the season," Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports. "If a franchise invests heavily and then loses him mid-season, their options become limited. This concern might lead to a drop in his price tag."

Meanwhile, Shami didn't take it well and shared a post mocking Manjrekar.

"Baba Ki Jay Hooooo. Thoda sa gyan apne futue ke liye bhi bacha lo kaam ayeaga Sanjy G. Kisi ko futue janna ho to sir se mile (Save a little wisdom for your own future. If anyone wants to know their future, do contact 'baba ji')," Shami wrote in an Instagram story.

Mohammad Shami's Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/PIruQ4oRcS

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 21, 2024

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However, Shami returned to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff. After the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Shami was the highest wicket-taker, he has been missing from the action due to several injury issues. He finally returned with a Ranji Trophy game recently for Bengal. BCCI selectors were reportedly happy to see him fit as well. However, Shami is not yet being sent to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Notably, Shami has registered for a base price of Rs 2 crore for the IPL 2025 auction. And, he was picked by Gujarat Titans in 2022 for Rs 6.25 crore as well.

Mohammed Shami could return during the second half of the BGT series

Earlier, a report in news agency PTI stated that Mohammed Shami could return to International cricket during the second half of the series.

“Bengal team for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will be selected tomorrow. If Shami is not going for Border Gavaskar Trophy, I believe he will be available for Bengal,” head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla told PTI.

However, it is understood that the selection committee doesn't want to hurry with Shami after just one Ranji Trophy match as well. Meanwhile, Shami, who appeared in a competitive match after a year, was impressive in his bowling for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh at Indore, returning with a seven-wicket match haul in Bengal's first victory of the season as well.

India’s pace sensation Mohammed Shami is set to make his comeback to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy following an extended recovery from an Achilles heel injury. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) confirmed Shami's return, stating that he will feature in Bengal’s match against Madhya Pradesh, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 13, in Indore. Shami’s return comes as a positive development for Indian cricket, especially with a high-stakes Test series against Australia on the horizon.

Shami’s road to recovery and rehabilitation

Shami, who last appeared for India in the ICC World Cup final in Ahmedabad in November 2023, has had a long journey to recovery. His injury began with an Achilles heel issue that required surgical intervention, sidelining him for several months. Unfortunately, his rehabilitation process was further delayed when he experienced swelling in his knee, keeping him out of action longer than initially anticipated. However, the pacer remained proactive, conducting several practice sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to monitor his fitness and regain form.

The Cricket Association of Bengal expressed optimism about Shami’s fitness, with officials confirming his readiness to join Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad. "We are thrilled to have Shami back. His recovery and rehab have gone well, and this match will be a great opportunity to gauge his fitness in a competitive setting," a CAB official said.

A boost for India ahead of the Australia tour

Shami’s return to form could come at an ideal time for India, as they prepare for an intense five-Test series against Australia beginning on November 22. Although Shami has not been named in the initial Test squad, India’s management may consider his inclusion if he proves his fitness in the Ranji Trophy. Last month, Indian captain Rohit Sharma hinted at this possibility, expressing hope that Shami would be fit for a part of the Australia tour.

Shami’s skill set makes him a valuable addition, especially in Australian conditions where fast bowlers are often critical. His experience and proven track record could provide a significant advantage to India if he is able to participate. The Test series in Australia is part of the World Test Championship cycle, and India will be keen to field their best possible lineup to secure crucial points. With a successful outing in the Ranji Trophy, Shami might just earn a late spot in the squad if his fitness levels remain steady.

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Ranji Trophy return mark a new chapter

For Shami, the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh is not just a test of physical fitness but a chance to reestablish himself in competitive cricket. Fans and selectors alike will be watching closely to see how he performs after the long layoff. His return is highly anticipated, not only by the Indian selectors but also by cricket enthusiasts who are keen to see one of India’s finest pacers back in action.

Veteran India pace bowler Mohammad Shami thinks India have a great chance of making it three-in-a-row against Australia Down Under this winter as well. However, Team India have won the last two away series in Australia, in 2018-19 and 2020-21. And, Australia failed to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014. Shami was part of the 2018-19 series in Australia but did not play in the team's most recent visit two years later as well.

"I believe India are the favourites to win the series. In the last series in Australia, we played with a young team, with many senior players absent, yet we still proved we were the best. I expect the next series to be highly competitive, but I'm confident that India will come out victorious," said the Indian pacer.

"I don't want to rush myself" - Mohammad Shami

Incidentally, Shami's last Test appearance was against Australia came in the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June 2023. He has been out of action since November last year, having undergone surgery in the meantime as well.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

When asked about his return, Shami said, "I don't want to rush myself, even though I want to come back as soon as possible. It's not advisable to return with any doubt. I need to be stronger, and the stronger I feel, the better it will be. My goal is to return at my strongest. While I aim to come back at the earliest, my priority is to be fully fit. So whether it's for the Australia, New Zealand, or Bangladesh series, it doesn't matter." Shami was speaking at the annual awards function in Kolkata on Saturday night."

"Bangladesh should consider our record, current form, and the strengths of the Indian team" - Mohammad Shami

When he was asked about his current fitness status, Shami said, "I've already started bowling. I want to ensure there are no doubts in my mind and that I must not feel any discomfort. Unless I'm 100 percent in every aspect - both mentally and physically - I won't consider returning to action. It doesn't matter which format I play or which team I'm selected for. If needed, I'll even play domestic cricket."

Shami, who has played 229 wickets in 64 Tests so far, believes India are strong favourites against Bangladesh as well. The two-match Test series against Bangladesh starts in Chennai on September 19 as well.

"It's fine if Bangladesh have beaten Pakistan, but we're playing at home. Bangladesh should consider our record, current form, and the strengths of the Indian team," he concluded. 

The next IPL season will see big changes in the coaching setups of many teams. Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, and Ryan ten Doeschate have left Kolkata Knight Riders to join the Indian team’s coaching staff, and Ricky Ponting has ended his time as head coach of Delhi Capitals.

According to News18, head coach Ashish Nehra and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki might leave Gujarat Titans before IPL 2025. Last season, GT finished eighth on the points table under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, who took over from Hardik Pandya.

Nehra and Solanki joined the Titans in IPL 2022 and led the team to their first title in their debut season, a huge achievement. Titans had a great run in IPL 2023, reaching the final where Chennai Super Kings beat them. However, this year, they missed the playoffs after failing to replace all rounder Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians, and also missed the injured Mohammad Shami.

Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki likely to leave Gujarat Titans

The report mentions that Titans are talking to Yuvraj Singh about joining the coaching staff as Nehra and Solanki are expected to leave.

“Lot of changes on the cards. Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki are highly likely to move on and discussions around Yuvraj Singh have already begun. Nothing is finalised right now but there could be some major changes in the coaching staff of the Gujarat Titans,” says a source

Yuvraj Singh in talks for coaching role with Gujarat Titans

Yuvraj has mentored GT captain Shubman Gill before, and they share a great bond off the field, but Yuvraj has no IPL coaching experience.

Gary Kirsten, who was Titans assistant coach for the past three seasons, has already left to become head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Other coaching staff members like Aashish Kapoor, Naeem Amin, Narender Negi, and Mithun Manhas are also expected to leave if Nehra and Solanki depart.

IPL owners set to meet BCCI

IPL team owners will probably meet with the BCCI on July 30 or 31. The exact date isn’t set yet, but the meeting will happen this month to finalize player retentions and discuss the Impact Player rule and salary cap before the mega auction.

BCCI officials and top executives from various IPL teams have already had one round of discussions. Final decisions will be made when the owners meet with the BCCI’s top leaders.

Taking to social media, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami shared an update on his ongoing recovery journey following surgery to address an ankle injury. Despite facing challenges, Shami expressed determination and eagerness to return to the cricket field, emphasizing the ultimate goal of success.

Challenges Faced by Shami

Mohammed Shami, known for his lethal bowling prowess, recently underwent surgery to address a nagging ankle injury. This setback forced him to take a break from cricket, including missing out on the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. However, Shami’s spirit remains undeterred as he provides a glimpse into his recovery journey.

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Determination to Return

Despite the setbacks, Shami remains resolute in his quest to return to the cricket field. In a social media post, he shared a photo using crutches, symbolizing his determination and hunger for success. His caption, “Back on track and hungry for success. The road may be tough, but the destination is worth it,” echoes his unwavering resolve to overcome adversity.

Surgery and Recovery

The surgery in February marked a crucial phase in Shami’s recovery journey. While it momentarily sidelined him from cricketing action, it was a necessary step towards his rehabilitation. The road to recovery entails rigorous rehabilitation exercises, physiotherapy sessions, and constant monitoring to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Road to Recovery

Despite the challenges, Shami remains focused on his recovery regimen. His commitment to rehabilitation and adherence to medical advice are critical factors in ensuring a successful comeback. Each day presents new challenges and milestones, but Shami’s determination fuels his progress towards regaining full fitness.

Missed Opportunities

The ankle injury deprived Shami of valuable playing opportunities, including representing Gujarat in the IPL 2024. As the leading wicket-taker in the previous edition of the tournament, his absence was felt by fans and teammates alike. However, Shami’s focus remains on his recovery, prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term gains.

Recent Cricket History

Shami’s last appearance on the cricket field was in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2023. Since then, he has been sidelined due to injury, missing out on various bilateral series and domestic tournaments.

Despite battling injury during the World Cup, Shami emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, showcasing his resilience and skill on the field. His ability to perform consistently at the highest level is a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Shami’s potential return date coincides with India’s home series against Bangladesh in September 2024, as confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. However, uncertainties loom over his participation in the T20 World Cup, adding another layer of anticipation to his recovery journey.