India has announced its squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, and Mohammed Shami’s absence has sparked debates. Despite the official exclusion due to an ankle injury sustained during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, there’s still hope for his inclusion. Here’s how he could make a comeback.
Current Injury Status
Mohammed Shami is currently recuperating from an ankle injury. Reports suggest that while he has resumed training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, his fitness is still under scrutiny. The BCCI is cautious, and they want him to be fully fit before considering his inclusion for such a crucial series.
Possible Scenarios for Inclusion
- Injury Replacement Rule:
If one of the current fast bowlers in the squad (e.g., Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Siraj) gets injured or faces fitness issues during the series, Shami, once fully recovered, could be called in as a replacement. This strategy has been used before, and it aligns with ICC regulations. - Form and Performance in Domestic Matches:
If Mohammed Shami plays a few domestic matches (e.g., Ranji Trophy games) and proves his form and fitness, he could push for a late entry. The team management, led by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, is keen to have experienced players ready for such high-stakes matches. This path would require Mohammed Shami to demonstrate that his pace, swing, and consistency remain intact despite the injury layoff. - Test of Fitness Before the Series:
The Indian team management might organize a fitness test close to the series start. Shami has a chance if he passes this test and shows no signs of injury recurrence. This test is crucial, as Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of ensuring full recovery to avoid risks during the series.
| Scenario | Probability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Injury Replacement | High | Possible if any current pacer is ruled out due to injury. |
| Domestic Match Performance | Moderate | Shami might play domestic matches to prove his fitness before the series begins. |
| Fitness Test Pass | Moderate | BCCI might conduct a fitness test before the series, and Shami’s inclusion hinges on passing it. |
Why Shami’s Inclusion Matters
- Experience and Skillset:
Mohammed Shami’s experience in Australian conditions is unmatched. His ability to exploit the bounce and swing in Australia makes him a potent weapon, especially against Australia’s batting lineup. Given his past performances, having him back in the squad could be a game-changer. - Partnership with Bumrah:
The Mohammed Shami-Bumrah duo has historically troubled the Australian batsmen. If he is fit, pairing him with Bumrah would strengthen India’s pace attack, giving them an edge in the five-match Test series.
What Needs to Happen Next?
- Continued Rehabilitation: Shami must continue his recovery regimen under BCCI’s medical team and show improvement in his physical condition.
- Active Participation in Practice Sessions: Regular bowling and fielding practice sessions would be essential to regain rhythm and showcase his fitness to the selectors.
- Positive Assessment from the BCCI: If the team management and medical staff feel confident about his fitness, they may push for his inclusion even at the last minute.
Conclusion
While Shami’s inclusion in the squad currently seems uncertain, multiple pathways remain open for him. With the BCCI monitoring his fitness closely and keeping a backup option in mind, there’s a real possibility that we might see him don the Indian whites again during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. For now, it’s a wait-and-watch situation, hinging on his recovery progress and potential opportunities for domestic match performances..
