Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar Shares Return Date for Mohammed Shami

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Indian men’s cricket team chief selector Ajit Agarkar has revealed promising news on the recovery of fast bowler Mohammed Shami. During a press conference before Team India’s departure for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, Agarkar shed light on Shami’s potential return date. 

The Bengal pacer Shami hasn’t played since the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. He suffered an ankle injury during the tournament but powered through the event with the help of medical assistance. After the World Cup, Shami underwent surgery on his Achilles Tendon in February 2024.

Shami’s injury forced him to miss several key events, including the Test series against England at home, the Indian Premier League 2024, and the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

With the Sri Lanka tour featuring three T20Is and three ODIs starting July 27th, the veteran pacer remains unavailable for selection. However, there’s optimism regarding his return for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh.

Mohammed Shami to Return from Bangladesh Test Series 

Bangladesh will tour India for a two-match Test series and a three-match T20I series. The Tests are scheduled from September 19th to 27th, while the T20Is will be played from October 6th to 12th.

Encouragingly, Agarkar revealed that Shami has begun bowling at the nets. The primary goal for the Indian team management is to have Shami fit for the opening Test against Bangladesh in September.

However, Agarkar clarified the need to consult with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) regarding Shami’s availability for the Bangladesh series.

“Mohammed Shami has started to bowl. The first Test is 19th September (against Bangladesh). That was always the goal (him making a comeback by that time). Whether he can make it back to the squad by that (Bangladesh series) time,I’ll have to speak with the guys at the NCA,” Agarkar said during the press conference.

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