Indian ace fast bowler Mohammed Shami has shifted his entire focus towards his road to recovery after an ankle injury ruled him out of action since the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad. The 34-year-old pacer has been religiously working on regaining his complete fitness curve ahead of his much-anticipated return to the Indian cricket team.
Frustrating as this is, Shami is hungrier than ever to return stronger and not rush back into things, making sure he is fit before he walks onto the field again. The cricketing calendar ahead is full-fledged, starting from Bangladesh, followed by New Zealand and Australia. His return could prove to be a vital turning point in India’s fortunes.
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Injury Setbacks Mohammed Shami After a Stellar World Cup
Mohammed Shami’s absence is felt a lot more as he played fantastically during the 2023 World Cup. His bowling in this tournament was nothing less than remarkable as it ended with a total of 24 wickets in just seven matches. He included a devastating spell of 7-57 in the semi-final against New Zealand and then 1-47 in the final.
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Nothing out of the ordinary was Shami’s bowling in the World Cup, considering an incredible average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.2. Furthermore, this set new landmarks in ODI cricket as far as efficiency in taking wickets is concerned, even better than those of legends of the game. And it won’t be an exaggeration to say that Shami was at the peak of his powers when the injury cut his momentum short.
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Focus on Recovery and Patience
Now that the injury is behind him, Mohammed Shami has turned his attention to the road to recovery. Though he has started bowling lightly, Shami underlined the importance of not coming back too quickly. “I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I’ve started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I am 100 percent fit,” Shami said at an event organized by the Cricket Association of Bengal.
At 34, Shami is wise enough to understand the importance of adequate recovery. He is wary of aggravating his injury by making a comeback earlier than necessary with important series lined up ahead. “The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don’t want to rush and get injured again,” he added.
Mohammed Shami has made it amply clear that his comeback will be independent of the opposition and format. Be it the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand or the high-profile tour of Australia, Shami wants to be in prime shape. It is here that his disciplined attitude towards fitness will come in handy for India. Especially, when sterner tests await India abroad, more so in conditions where Shami’s pace and control will be crucial.
Return Via Domestic Cricket?
Mohammed Shami is even ready to play domestic cricket to test his fitness. His state team, Bengal, has named him in their 31-member probable list for the upcoming season ofthe Ranji Trophy, which gets underway on October 11. Bengal will face Uttar Pradesh in the season opener, and it could be an ideal platform for Shami to get an idea about how far he has recovered.
“If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will,” Shami confirmed his gradual road to recovery. The Ranji Trophy could give Shami the much-needed match practice and confidence ahead of his return to international cricket.
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India’s Upcoming Test Schedule
India’s Test calendar is jammed, with series to be played against Bangladesh, New Zealand and later Australia. Of those, a two-Test series against Bangladesh and a three-Test series against New Zealand are scheduled at home. In home Tests, India have conventionally preferred to go with two fast bowlers as, owing to the turning pitches, they bank a lot on their spinners to get them wickets. For this reason, India might not be too keen to rush Mohammed Shami back for the matches.
His services, however, would be priceless when India embarks on an Australian tour later this year. The pace-friendly conditions in Australia would surely be ideal for a player of his caliber. Most importantly, his experience will be key in spearheading India’s pace attack on foreign soil.
The time off the game has done little to dent Shami’s confidence in his team’s abilities, especially against Australia. “Favorites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (we are the favourites; they should be worried),” he says with a grin, oozing the quiet confidence that has marked his career.
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Conclusion
The road to recovery of Mohammed Shami reminds one that patience and discipline are ingredients inseparable from the life of elite athletes in their quest to remain at the pinnacle. Though the injury has kept one of India’s premier fast bowlers out of action, Shami’s calm rehabilitation and fitness process will probably make him return stronger and more determined. India will surely benefit from his experience and skill, be it domestic or international.
Considering the upcoming series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the important tour of Australia, Shami’s comeback to form may turn out to be a pretty important factor for India in the following months.
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