Mohammad Shami’s participation in the final two Tests of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains uncertain as he is being closely monitored by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Shami, who has been recovering from a year-long injury layoff, is currently playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Ranji Trophy to regain match fitness. However, before he is considered for selection in the Indian squad for the last two BGT Tests against Australia, his ability to meet the physical demands of Test cricket must be thoroughly assessed.
The BCCI’s Sports Science team, led by Nitin Patel, is actively involved in monitoring Shami’s recovery, observing his performance and fitness levels during his domestic outings. They have been closely tracking his workload in these matches, particularly focusing on whether he can handle the intensity of a high-stakes Test series.
Although Shami has had some success in the domestic matches, including picking up wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the key focus remains on his fitness for longer formats, especially given the physical toll of Test cricket.
As of now, Shami’s return to the Indian squad for the remaining BGT Tests hinges on the clearance from the NCA’s medical team. The BCCI will not make a final selection decision until it is confident that Shami can endure the demands of a Test series, particularly given the challenging Australian conditions.
This cautious approach highlights the importance of Shami’s fitness for the long-term success of the team, especially in light of the intense competition from Australia’s formidable pace attack.
The BCCI’s cautious approach towards Shami’s inclusion in the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is focused on his long-term fitness and ability to contribute effectively. While Shami has made progress, with a promising performance in domestic competitions, his participation will depend on a thorough assessment of his physical readiness.