India is gearing up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, but concerns have emerged over the availability of star pacer Mohammed Shami.
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Shami, who has been out of action for nearly a year due to injury, is still undergoing rehabilitation. As the tour approaches, captain Rohit Sharma has raised doubts about Shami’s fitness, hinting that India may have to go without him if he's not fully recovered.
With tough conditions expected in Australia, Shami’s absence could be a major setback for India’s bowling attack.
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What are Rohit Sharma's concerns over Mohammed Shami's fitness?
Mohammed Shami has been at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where he is working on his recovery. Shami has not played competitive cricket in almost 11 months due to a knee injury.
Rohit Sharma, speaking ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against New Zealand, explained that Shami’s knee problem has delayed his return.
"To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling in his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He's at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don't want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed," said Rohit Sharma.
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What is Mohammed Shami’s record in Australia?
Shami has been an impact player for India on past tours of Australia. He has taken 31 wickets in eight Tests on Australian soil, averaging 32.16, with two five-wicket hauls. His experience and ability to handle Australia’s fast, bouncy pitches make him a mandatory inclusion in India’s pace attack.
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Who could replace Mohammed Shami?
If Shami is unable to recover in time, India may have to look at other options for the five-Test series. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will likely be the main seamers, but names like Akash Deep, Yash Dayal, Arshdeep Singh, and Mukesh Kumar could come into consideration.
Akash Deep, in particular, has impressed in recent domestic performances and could get the nod if Shami doesn’t make it.
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With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy just around the corner, India is facing a tough decision on whether to include Mohammed Shami. As Rohit Sharma mentioned, India does not want to risk taking an unfit player, especially in such a demanding series.
Fans and team management alike will be hoping for Shami’s swift recovery, but if he isn’t ready, India will have to rely on their bench strength to take on Australia.
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