Mohammed Shami’s remarkable campaign in the World Cup was nothing short of spectacular. Despite being benched in the initial four games, he concluded the tournament as the leading wicket-taker. This feat was crucial in India’s dominating run to the final. His sensational 7-wicket haul against New Zealand in the semifinal remains etched in cricketing history.
While fans anticipate witnessing Shami’s magic on the field again, reports indicate he is unlikely to grace the white-ball formats soon. The decision is not rooted in a lack of form or desire but is driven by a more pressing concern – Shami’s fitness.
Currently nursing an ankle injury, Shami’s focus has shifted to preserving his fitness, particularly with an eye on prolonging his Test career. The decision to skip white-ball cricket underscores the strategic thinking aimed at maintaining peak physical condition for the rigors of Test matches.
“It is learned for the time being, Shami won’t play white-ball games as there are seven Test matches, including five against England at home, and the ‘Amroha Express’ is expected to play a big role in the sub-continental conditions where the ball reverses a lot,” reported news agency PTI.
Despite being absent from India’s ODI and T20I squads, Shami finds himself included in the Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa. This inclusion signals the team management’s recognition of Shami’s prowess in the game’s longer format.
While Shami may be temporarily absent from white-ball cricket, there’s a glimmer of hope for fans anticipating his participation in the T20 World Cup in 2024. As reported, the decision hinges on Shami’s performance in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
“Whether Shami will play in next year’s T20 World Cup will depend on how he fares in the Indian Premier League, where he has had two good seasons for the Gujarat Titans,” the report added.
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The IPL has been a stage where Shami has showcased his skills, particularly with successful seasons for the Gujarat Titans. The report suggests that Shami’s fate in the T20 World Cup will be intricately linked to his performances in the IPL.
As the cricketing calendar unfolds, India’s tour of South Africa is set to commence this month. The action will kick off with the T20I series on December 10, followed by the Test matches starting December 26. It presents a challenging yet exciting opportunity for the Indian team.
While Shami won’t don the white-ball jersey during India’s tour of South Africa, his absence allows other talents to step up. However, the focus remains on Shami’s fitness and readiness for the challenges ahead.
