Mohammed Shami will not feature in the fourth and fifth Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to swelling in his left knee. The decision comes after extensive assessments by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team.

What Happened to Shami?

Shami’s left knee developed swelling after his recent heavy workload, which included:

• Bowling 43 overs in a Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November.
• Playing nine games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he undertook additional bowling sessions to prepare for Test cricket.

The increased bowling volume after a prolonged break is believed to have caused the swelling, which, while expected, requires more time to recover.

BCCI’s Statement on Mohammed Shami

In a press release, the BCCI stated:

• “Shami has completely recovered from the heel injury he suffered last year.”
• “However, his left knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads.”
• “He will not be considered for the final two Tests as he continues targeted strength and conditioning under medical supervision.”

Shami’s Recent Challenges

The ace pacer has faced several setbacks over the past year:

• Heel Surgery: Following the ODI World Cup final in November 2023, Shami underwent surgery for a heel injury in February.
• Long Layoff: Since then, he has not represented India in any international format.

Questions About Vijay Hazare Trophy Participation

Shami was rested from Bengal’s opening Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Delhi. The BCCI clarified that his participation in the tournament depends on the medical team’s assessment of his progress.

Captain Rohit Sharma’s Take

Rohit Sharma, when asked about Shami’s fitness during the Brisbane Test, deferred to the National Cricket Academy (NCA). “Only the NCA can provide clarity on his readiness,” Rohit remarked, emphasizing that Shami’s inclusion in the squad would hinge on a green signal from the academy.

Key Points to Note

• BCCI’s Medical Focus: The medical team is prioritizing controlled rehabilitation to prepare Shami for the demands of Test cricket.
• Vijay Hazare Trophy: Shami’s availability will be determined after further evaluation of his knee.

Looking Ahead

While Shami’s absence is a blow for India, it underscores the importance of managing player fitness in modern cricket. Fans and experts alike will hope to see him return stronger, ready to dominate the longest format of the game.

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