Veteran Indian quick Mohammed Shami has not been included in any of the squads for the 2024 Duleep Trophy. This has also possibly ruled him out of India’s next assignment, which is a two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
Shami was earlier expected to return for India against Bangladesh after chief selector Ajit Agarkar last month hinted at his return for the Bangladesh Tests. Speaking at a press conference before leaving for the Sri Lanka tour, Agarkar said Shami’s progress is on track and the aim is to make him available for the Bangladesh Tests.
He was expected to play in the 2024 Duleep Trophy, which is also the start of India’s domestic season, but the 33-year-old could not get fit in time before the tournament, hence he was also left out of the Bangladesh Tests.
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Mohammed Shami’s international return is delayed for this reason
According to a PTI report, Mohammed Shami’s fitness is a prime concern for the BCCI and its selection committee. It is known that there is no chance of Mohammed Shami getting fit before the Duleep Trophy and the selectors do not want to take any chances with his fitness by rushing him.
Shami has been sharing updates about his comeback on social media. He had been bowling with a low-intensity short run, which sparked rumours of his return from the Duleep Trophy, which begins on September 5.
But the fast bowler is now expected to make his international comeback in the home Test series against New Zealand. Before that series, Shami will play one or two Ranji Trophy matches for his home team Bengal, which will allow him to get into the rhythm of red-ball cricket.
Mohammed Shami likely to return for New Zealand Tests
The 33-year-old right-hander is expected to play one of the three Test matches against New Zealand before travelling for the gruelling five-match Test series in Australia. Before leaving for Australia, India will play a three-match Test series at home against New Zealand.
The first Test match of the series will be played from October 16 to 20 in Bengaluru. The second Test match will be held from October 24 to 28 in Pune and the third will be played in Mumbai from November 1 to 5.
The selectors’ priority is reportedly to keep India’s top three fast bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj – fit for the five-match Test series against Australia.
Selectors want to keep India’s fast bowling trio fit
Mohammed Shami has been India’s best fast bowler for the past few years. The 33-year-old fast bowler has picked up 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71. He has picked up 6 five-wicket hauls in his Test career so far.
India will visit Australia later this year and will look to complete a hat-trick of Test series wins in the country. India emerged victorious the last two times they visited Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. On both occasions, India won the series with an identical 2-1 margin.