India’s sensational fast bowler Mohammed Shami won’t be participating in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a left ankle injury, as per the latest reports from PTI. It’s said that Shami is expected to undergo surgery for his injury, possibly in the United Kingdom.
Mohammed Shami hasn’t played since the 2023 World Cup final against Australia, where India faced a tough defeat. He was the top wicket-taker in the tournament, taking 24 wickets in seven matches with an excellent average of 10.70.
Shami was absent during the important Test series in South Africa away from home. It was anticipated that he would return for the home series against England. However, Shami couldn’t fully recover from his injury in time to join the ongoing Test series.
Mohammed Shami Ruled Out Of IPL 2024?
A PTI report on Thursday stated that Mohammed Shami went to London in late January for special injections in his ankle. Unfortunately, these injections didn’t work, so surgery is now the only option left.
On the condition of anonymity, a senior BCCI source revealed PTI: “Shami was in London in last week of January to take special ankle injections and he was told that after three weeks, he can start light running and take it from thereon.”
Notably, in the IPL 2023 season, Mohammed Shami shone brightly for the Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise, emerging as the highest wicket-taker with 28 wickets in 17 matches. His impressive performance earned him an average of 18.64, with his best bowling figures being 4/11. However, despite Shami’s contributions, the team ended up as the runners-up in the tournament.
In September-October, the Indian cricket team will host Bangladesh for a series of matches, followed by a three-match Test series against New Zealand in October-November.
Sources suggest that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) should have considered surgery as an option earlier for Mohammed Shami, as a mere two months of rest and injections were unlikely to be sufficient. Shami’s availability could be vital for the Indian team during their upcoming Test series in Australia later this year.
The source revealed: “Shami should have gone directly for surgery and that should have been NCA’s call. Just two months of rest and injections wouldn’t have worked well and that’s what has happened. He is an asset and the Indian team would need him in Australia,”
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