The Indian fast-bowling sensation Mohammed Shami fails to make the cut and is all set to be omitted from the upcoming Border Gavaskar trophy scheduled to commence in November later this year. The 34-year-old has not regained his full fitness following his ankle surgery which took place earlier this year in February. Shami, who last featured for India in the ODI World Cup final in 2023 has been absent from professional cricket since. The speedster is tirelessly putting in the hard yards and is working day and night to get "match-ready" to pursue international duties for India.

In order to get back to the red-ball arena, Shami has to prove his fitness and deliver some formidable performances in the ongoing Ranji season for his side Bengal. Shami was reportedly spotted bowling with a strapped knee in the nets in Bengaluru under bowling coach Morne Morkel's supervision.  As per reports, there is still a slim window of opportunity for him to make it into the 18-member squad subject to his fitness at the time of the tour. 

How will Shami's absence hurt India's chances of succeeding in the forthcoming BGT Trophy? 

Shami's hostile outlook makes him a lethal pace bowler and a force to reckon with for the opposition. The all-format specialist seamer has delivered countless fiery spells for the country on the biggest of the stages, mostly in winning causes. It goes without saying that his absence will not only hurt but also cost India a spot in the WTC final. India are still reeling after suffering a devasting Test series loss at the hands of the Black Caps and Shami could have been someone who could have pulled India out of their misery. 

Shami has an appreciable record on Australian soil. He has bagged 31 wickets in eight Tests at a decent average of 32.16 which also includes his best figures of 6-56. Moreover, the speedster also has a proven track record in the WTC history and has claimed a staggering 85 wickets from 24 Tests. 

His absence from the squad will now leave the rookie Indian pace attack exposed to difficult conditions down under in Australia. Shami's demonstrated experience could have been more than handy in such conditions but now the BCCI will have to rely on the young brigade featuring the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Harshith Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy to deliver the goods. The series loss of 0-2 against New Zealand has complicated India's WTC qualification scenario and they are now presented with an uphill task of winning four out of their last six fixtures, five of which would be against the star-studded Australian team. 

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.