India's premier pace bowler, Mohammed Shami, is all set to make his long-awaited return to competitive cricket with the Bengal team in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. After a significant period on the sidelines due to injury, Shami has successfully passed through an intensive rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. Having fully recovered, the 33-year-old fast bowler is now ready to make his much-anticipated comeback to the longer formats of the game. This marks a major milestone in Shami's recovery journey, as he returns to action to regain his top form and contribute to Bengal's domestic cricket campaign.
Shami’s Road to Recovery
Mohammed Shami, who had a stellar 2023 World Cup campaign with 24 wickets to his name, played through significant pain, relying on injections and painkillers to manage a troublesome ankle injury. Despite the physical toll, his passion for the game kept him on the field, where he gave his all for India. Immediately after the World Cup, Shami underwent surgery to address his injury, which led to an extended period of recovery. As a result, he missed the IPL 2024 season with Gujarat Titans, along with several key international series, including the T20 World Cup 2024. Had it not been for the injury, Shami would have been an automatic selection for these events.
The recovery process was far longer than anticipated. Given the intensity of his World Cup campaign, Shami’s rehabilitation had to be cautious, taking extra time to ensure a full recovery. Initially, his return was projected for the New Zealand series, with hopes of being fit in time for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, the timeline didn’t go as planned, and Shami wasn’t fully recovered in time, leaving him out of the squad.
Now, after months of diligent recovery, Shami is ready to return to domestic cricket, representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. His return is not just a personal victory but also a significant moment for Indian cricket, as Shami looks to rediscover his best form. If he can find his rhythm in the domestic circuit, there is always a chance he could make a return to the national team.
In an emotional message on his social media, Shami thanked everyone who supported him during his recovery, including his fans, who stood by him during his toughest times. He expressed his determination to give more than 100% on the field, with his eyes set on a future return to the Indian squad. With the IPL auction fast approaching, Shami is determined to use the opportunity to regain his form and make a meaningful contribution to Bengal’s campaign in the Ranji Trophy. His unwavering commitment and resilience testify to his passion for the game, and cricket fans will be watching closely as he works his way back to the top.
