The Indian cricket team is eagerly waiting for Mohammed Shami's return to international cricket. The right-arm pacer has not worn the Indian jersey since November 19, 2023 when he represented the team in the ODI World Cup final against Australia.
Immediately after the World Cup, the fast bowler was sidelined with an ankle injury. He had to undergo surgery as well and was unable to play competitive cricket for a year. Mohammed Shami finally returned to competitive cricket in November last year when he featured for Bengal in domestic cricket.
He is now gearing up for his long-awaited return to international cricket. The great fast bowler has been named in India's squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. He has also been included in the squad for next month's ICC Champions Trophy.
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While only time will tell how things will unfold in the coming days, Mohammed Shami's Bengal team-mate Anustub Majumdar has issued a timely warning to those expecting the pacer to start in the race. In a recent interview, Majumdar said that although Shami has looked sharp in recent days, he is unlikely to be at his best anytime soon.
But Majumdar said Shami has enough time to regain his best form before the Champions Trophy. He stated that the upcoming series against England will be very crucial for Shami to reach the highest level.
“I think the way we are used to seeing Shami at full strength, like in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, it may take some time. He has time before the Champions Trophy to get into that zone and fitness, and the England series will be the first time around,” Majumdar said while speaking to SportsBoom.com: “You have to understand that he was always a completely different player from the rest in terms of his line, his length, his swing and his speed.”
Anustub Majumdar in the form of Muhammad Shami:
After witnessing Mohammed Shami's return to competitive cricket from close range, Majumdar spoke about his state teammate's form. He stated that Shami looked sharp when he played the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Haryana earlier this month. Shami had taken 3 wickets in that match.
“The name, Shami, has an impact in itself. There was a long gap between his first Ranji Trophy match last year (in November), and the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Haryana in the new year.
“His bowling has improved while playing these matches. I have felt an increase in pace, and he is bowling sharper distances. Physically, he looks in good shape with a lean physique. The delivery that cleaned up Rajat Patidar in the Ranji match in Indore was fantastic,” he said. Majumdar: “It's written all over it.”
India hopes that Shami will regain his best form soon. With uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the Champions Trophy due to injury, Shami is expected to lead India's pace attack in the mega event.
