Mohamed Shami. Photo by: ANI
Indian off-spinner Mohammed Shami wants to ensure he is 100 per cent fit following his rehabilitation from ankle surgery and if required, he will play domestic cricket without setting a timetable for his much-awaited international comeback.
Shami last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and has since been sidelined with an injury for which he underwent surgery earlier this year.
Speaking at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) annual awards ceremony, where he was congratulated for his stellar performances, Shami expressed his desire to be in top form before returning to the field.
“I am working hard to come back soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time. However, I want to make sure that there is no discomfort when I come back. I have to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort,” Shami told reporters.
“The stronger I come back, the better for me. I don’t want to rush into it and risk getting injured again, whether it’s against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the series against Australia. I’ve already started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I’m 100 per cent fit.”
PTI had reported last month that Shami, who is undergoing rehabilitation, is likely to return to competitive cricket for his home team Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, and a possible international appearance later in one of the Test matches against New Zealand.
Shami is understood to play one or two of Bengal’s opening Ranji matches against UP (October 11) and Bihar (October 18).
The 34-year-old hinted at the possibility of playing domestic matches before making his international comeback.
“If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will do that. What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, irrespective of the opposition or the format,” Shami added.
Shami is expected to be a key figure in India’s preparations for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
When asked about the much-awaited series, Shami said, “Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (We are the favourites, they should be worried).”
The CAB also recognised Shami’s long association with Bengal cricket despite being born in Uttar Pradesh.
“I often say that I was born in Uttar Pradesh but made in Bengal. This is a journey of over 20 years and I am grateful for the love and support that Bengal has shown me,” Shami said.
During the ceremony, several other Bengal cricketers were also honoured for their achievements.
Anustup Majumdar was awarded the ‘Cricketer of the Year’ award, while Abishek Porel was named ‘Gentleman Cricketer of the Year’. Suraj Singh Jaiswal was awarded the ‘Best Fast Bowler of the Year’ award, while Chandrahas Dash was awarded the ‘Best Under-19 Cricketer’ award.
Deepti Sharma and Saika Ishaque were among the cricketers congratulated for their outstanding performances in the Senior Women’s T20 and One-Day tournaments.
A total of 200 awards were given out during the event.
The winners:
Cricketer of the Year: Anustup Majumdar;
Cricketer of the Year: Abishek Porel;
Fast Bowler of the Year: Suraj Singh Jaiswal;
Under-19 Cricketer of the Year: Chandrahas Dash;
Most runs scored (Senior Women’s T20): Deepti Sharma;
Highest wicket-taker (senior women’s single day): Mita Paul;
Leading wicket-taker (Senior Women’s T20): Saika Ishaque.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First published: September 15, 2024 | 01:46 am IS
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