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Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has returned to the Indian squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, but concerns over his fitness persist. Shami, who last played for India during the 2023 World Cup final, had been sidelined for nearly a year following surgery on his injured knee.
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Shami’s Grueling Return
On January 19, Shami participated in a rigorous three-hour training session alongside his teammates at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With heavy strapping on his left knee, likely as a precaution, the pacer tested his fitness with an extended spell in the nets and fielding drills.
- Bowling Session Highlights:
Shami bowled at full throttle for 45 minutes, generating significant pace and bounce that troubled batters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.
Despite concerns, Shami did not require assistance from physiotherapists or strength and conditioning staff during the session. - Fielding and Interaction:
Shami also participated in fielding drills to assess his mobility and later engaged with bowling coach Morne Morkel for feedback.
Cause for Concern: Limping Back to the Dressing Room
Despite a strong display in the nets, Shami was spotted limping back to the dressing room, raising fresh concerns about his knee. He returned to the ground shortly after and interacted cautiously with old Bengal teammates, indicating he was managing his heavily strapped knee carefully.
Critical Role for Champions Trophy
Shami’s inclusion in the T20I squad and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 highlights his importance to the Indian setup, especially with Jasprit Bumrah still recovering from injury. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized Shami’s readiness for white-ball cricket while acknowledging his challenges with longer formats.
“His knee didn’t allow him to play four-day or five-day cricket, but he’s played most of the Syed Mushtaq Ali and some Vijay Hazare games. With Jasprit not fully fit, Shami’s presence is crucial,” said Agarkar during the Champions Trophy squad announcement.
What Lies Ahead?
As Team India gears up for the England series, all eyes will be on Shami’s fitness and performance. His ability to bowl at full tilt will be critical for India’s campaign in both the T20I series and the Champions Trophy. While his return to competitive cricket has shown promise, the recurring signs of discomfort underline the challenges of managing a veteran fast bowler with a history of injuries.
