India’s new batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has given clarity on the fitness of senior pacer Mohammed Shami ahead of the matches. Shami, who has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, has not yet played in India’s recent T20I series against England. Despite the fitness issues, Kotak assured the media that Shami is fit as a fiddle but added that the decision on his inclusion in the playing XI would be taken by the coaching staff and the captain.
Kotak said that there is no fitness issue with Shami, which had led to speculations about him being left out of the playing XI. He said, “Yes, Shami is fit, but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer.” Kotak’s statement flatly mentioned that even though Shami is available for selection, the decision to play him or not depends on head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav.
This has become a pertinent question with his outstanding performances in the 2023 World Cup. Being one of India’s major bowlers, Shami was instrumental in taking India to the final and was India’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His non-selection in the ongoing series has made fans wonder if there is some issue with his fitness or it is a strategic decision by the team management.
Kotak did note that Shami’s fitness was not a concern and emphasized that the management was taking a careful, long-term approach to his involvement in the team. “Fitness, definitely not a problem, depending on how they are planning to build his load,” Kotak mentioned, suggesting that Shami’s inclusion is more about strategic planning and managing his workload for upcoming tournaments.
Now the scene shifts to planning the involvement of the team management with Shami in future games, as a bigger challenge draws near with upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. His re-entry into the team would give a huge edge to the return team, especially under his experienced play and skills to make an ideal difference for Indian pace attack going into the further games.
As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see whether Shami is included or left out. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how India balances their squad and manages the workload of one of their key fast bowlers.