The Indian cricketing fraternity is eagerly awaiting Mohammed Shami’s return to international cricket. The right-arm pacer has not donned 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 took a break due to an ankle injury. He had to undergo surgery and was unable to play competitive cricket for a year. Mohammed Shami finally returned to competitive cricket in November last year when he appeared for Bengal in domestic cricket.
He is now preparing for his long-awaited return to international cricket. The senior fast bowler has been named in the Indian 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.
Also read: ‘Mohammed Shami’s comeback is…’: Axar Patel makes a big statement
While only time will tell how things pan out in the coming days, Mohammed Shami’s Bengal team-mate Anustup Majumdar has issued a timely warning for those expecting the pacer to go on a run. In a recent interview, Majumdar said that while Shami has looked sharp in recent days, he is unlikely to be at his best anytime soon.
Majumdar, however, said Shami has plenty of time to regain his best form ahead of the Champions Trophy. He stated that the upcoming series against England will be very crucial for Shami to throw in maximum speed.
“I think it might take a little time to get back to the way we’re used to seeing Shami at full throttle, like in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. He’s got time to get into that zone and fitness before the Champions Trophy and the England series will be You have to understand that he’s always been a different bowler from the rest with his line, length, swing and pace,” Majumdar told SportsBoom.com.
Anustup Majumdar on Mohammed Shami form:
After witnessing Mohammed Shami’s return to competitive cricket at close range, Majumdar opened up about his national teammate’s form. He stated that Shami looked sharp when he played the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Haryana earlier this month. Shami picked up 3 wickets in that match.
“The name, Shami, has an impact in itself. There was a long gap between his first match in the Ranji Trophy 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 the pace increase and he bowls sharper lengths. Physically, he looks fit with a lean build. The delivery that cleaned up Rajat Patidar in the Ranji match at Indore had class written all over it,” he said is Majumdar.
India will be hoping that Shami returns to his best form soon. With Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the Champions Trophy in doubt due to injury, Shami is expected to lead India’s pace attack at the premier event.
