Mohammed Shami Focuses on Fitness: ‘Return Will Wait for Full Recovery’

Shami's comeback plan: Full fitness first, no haste

Mohammed Shami, the Indian speed spearhead who is recuperating from an ankle injury, is unsure when he would return to competitive cricket. The seasoned player has stressed the need to be completely fit before making a comeback.

Shami has been out of action since the 2023 ODI World Cup final because of an ankle ailment for which he had surgery earlier this year.

Speaking at the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) annual awards ceremony, where he received recognition for his outstanding play, Shami stated that he wanted to be in peak physical condition before going back to the field.

“Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time). However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I’ve to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort,” Shami told reporters.

“It is better for me the stronger I return. Whether it’s against Bangladesh, New Zealand, or the Australia series, I don’t want to rush and run the danger of getting hurt again. Although I’ve already begun bowling, I won’t risk anything until I’m fully recovered.”

Shami, who is undergoing rehabilitation, is expected to return to competitive cricket for his home team Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and may play for his country later in a Test match against New Zealand, according to a report published by PTI last month.

Shami is expected to participate in Bengal’s first two Ranji matches against UP (October 11) and Bihar (October 18).

The 34-year-old made a suggestion that he would play domestic games before returning to the international scene.

“I will play domestic cricket if it’s necessary to gauge my level of fitness. Regardless of the opposition or format, what matters most is that I am prepared for whatever comes next,” Shami continued.

When India gets ready for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a five-Test series against Australia, Shami is predicted to be a crucial player.

“We are the favorites, they should be worried,” Shami stated in response to a question regarding the highly anticipated series.

Notwithstanding the fact that Shami was born in Uttar Pradesh, the CAB acknowledged his lengthy connection to Bengal cricket.
“I claim a lot that I was made in Bengal but born in UP. I am appreciative of Bengal’s love and support during this more than 20-year journey, Shami remarked.

Several more Bengal cricket players received awards for their accomplishments during the ceremony.

‘Cricketer of the Year’ went to Anustup Majumdar, and ‘Gentleman Cricketer of the Year’ went to Abishek Porel. The awards for “Best Fast Bowler of the Year” went to Suraj Singh Jaiswal, while “Best Under-19 Cricketer” went to Chandrahas Dash.

Among the female cricketers who received recognition for their exceptional performances in the Senior Women’s T20 and One-Day competitions were Deepti Sharma and Saika Ishaque.

A total of 200 awards were given away during the event.

The Awardees:

Cricketer of the Year: Anustup Majumdar;

Gentleman Cricketer of the Year: Abishek Porel;

Best Fast Bowler of the Year: Suraj Singh Jaiswal;

Best Under-19 Cricketer of the Year: Chandrahas Dash;

Highest Run Getter (Senior Women’s T20): Deepti Sharma;

Highest Wicket Taker (Senior Women’s One-Day): Mita Paul;

Highest Wicket Taker (Senior Women’s T20): Saika Ishaque.