Mohammed Shami OUT OF ICC Champions Trophy? BCCI reveals fitness details of Akash Deep and Shami
Mohammed Shami is gearing up for his much-awaited return to the Indian cricket team. After being sidelined since the ODI World Cup 2023 final in November 2023, the experienced Indian pacer is now all set to return for the upcoming white-ball series at home and could even strengthen the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
After undergoing surgery on his right heel and recovering from minor knee swelling, Mohammed Shami has gradually returned to competitive cricket. While the heel injury is fully healed, a knee problem kept the Indian pacer out of action for the recent 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which was won by Australia last week.
Mohammed Shami all set to return with England series ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
As reported by Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical team has been keeping a close eye on Mohammed Shami during his recovery. Shami recently showed his fitness by featuring in a few matches for Bengal in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.
The senior Indian pacer is now gearing up for the pre-quarterfinal clash against Haryana in Baroda. His performances in domestic tournaments, including the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, have been closely monitored by physiotherapists and National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaches, ensuring a smooth journey to a successful comeback.
Shami is closely monitored by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical team, with at least one NCA physio or coach accompanying him at all times, according to the BCCI. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in Rajkot, more NCA personnel were present to support Shami and recently the NCA physiotherapist was seen supervising Indian pacer and all-rounder Hardik Pandya during the sessions in Hyderabad.
NCA approval required to impeach Mohammed Shami
Well, the Indian selection committee is expected to be present in Baroda to scrutinize Shami’s performance during the knockout stage of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Early reports claimed that Shami’s bowling remains sharp and effective, raising hopes for a smooth return. With the NCA’s final approval pending, there is a growing sense of optimism around Shami’s return to action for the England series to trial for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile, Akash Deep is set to miss the upcoming series against England, along with key bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Akash Deep, who missed the final Test against Australia due to back pain, is expected to be out for at least a month. He will report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation.
Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj miss the England series
However, Akash Deep is yet to make his debut in white-ball cricket but his growing potential has made him a contender for England, especially with Bumrah and Siraj unavailable due to heavy work during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. . Both Siraj and Bumrah have scored more than 150 overs in the Australian tour and should be rested to be ready for Champions Trophy 2025.
However, Jasprit Bumrah’s situation remains uncertain. After suffering back spasms during the last Test against Australia, he is awaiting medical clearance from the NCA. The selectors are hopeful that Bumrah will recover in time for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He is expected to report to the NCA soon.
