Mohammed Shami has resumed bowling but remains uncertain about a potential call-up for the remaining matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Following the rain-impacted draw of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, India captain Rohit Sharma addressed questions regarding Shami’s fitness for the upcoming games at the MCG and SCG.
Rohit indicated that the matter now rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Centre of Excellence, previously known as the National Cricket Academy (NCA), to provide clarity on Shami’s condition. Although Shami returned to competitive cricket last month, participating in the Ranji Trophy and subsequent matches, concerns about knee issues have left his selection for the national team in doubt.
Shami is also part of the Bengal squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting on December 21.
“About Shami, it’s important that someone from the NCA informs us about his rehabilitation,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference. “They are the ones who need to clarify his status.”
While acknowledging Shami’s return to domestic cricket, Rohit emphasized the importance of ensuring Shami’s complete fitness before considering him for international duty. He expressed concern about the risk of re-injury, stressing that the priority is to avoid any setbacks.
“He has been playing a lot of cricket, but there have been complaints about his knee. The last thing we want is for him to come here and then have to withdraw mid-match,” Rohit explained. “We won’t take any risks unless we are completely certain of his fitness. However, the door remains open if the NCA feels he is ready to return.”
Though, as it stands, Shami hasn’t been cleared of any discomfort by the BCCI medical team – a point which Rohit himself reiterated in the aftermath of the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide- three Tests against Australia has already concluded, his selection to this series looks farfetched. However, his experience is expected to come quite handy for the ODI team on this year’s Champions Trophy 2025 starting from February-March.
