Mohammed Shami has stated that he is training well and might be fit for the series, despite some speculations suggesting he would perhaps miss the first two Test matches against England.
At present, Mohammed Shami is not playing cricket. The last time we saw him in play, he was leading wicket-taker at the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup. However, a health concern prevented him from participating in the South Africa tour, and he will also be absent from the Afghanistan Twenty20 International Series. Although there were rumors that he would perhaps miss the opening two Test matches versus England, the fast bowler has stated that he is doing well in his preparation and could be ready for the series.
Shami has been India’s best bowler in recent times, especially in the longer forms (Tests and ODIs). There is no doubt about his potential, as demonstrated by his IPL performances for Gujarat Titans, but there is uncertainty surrounding his future as an international T20 player. When questioned in the shortest format about his future, Shami—who is going to get the Arjuna award—did not hesitate to acknowledge that he himself is not entirely sure what he wants to do.
During the T20 World Cup last year, Shami played his final Twenty20 international match for India against England. The experienced pacer hasn’t been called up by the selectors in the shortest format since then.
“I’m not sure where I fit into the grand scheme of things when T20s are discussed. But the IPL, in my opinion, comes before the T20 World Cup. You can demonstrate your rhythm and performance by playing T20 matches before to the World Cup, however I’m not sure what will happen. I am open to being selected if the squad management is pleased with what it sees,” he said to Sports Tak.
It has been reported that Mohammed Shami may soon have a meeting with the BCCI to discuss his future plans.
To find out what Shami wishes to do moving forward, there will be a conversation. For the past few years, he has accepted a heavy burden. South Africa was the intended location for this conversation. As he did not travel with the team, he will have an immediate conversation with the management and selectors, a BCCI source told Times of India.
“It has to be clear how much cricket he wants to play beyond the IPL and Test matches.”
