India's cricket team is approaching the selection of fast bowler Mohammed Shami with extreme caution as they assess his fitness for an upcoming tour of Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma articulated that the team will not make any hasty decisions regarding Shami’s inclusion until they are entirely assured of his physical condition. The responsibility for determining Shami's readiness has been entrusted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence, which was previously known as the National Cricket Academy.
Shami has made significant strides in his recovery from an ankle injury that sidelined him for almost a year. He is set to return to competitive cricket, participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal, commencing on December 21. In analyzing Shami’s situation, Rohit emphasized the urgency for the NCA to provide timely updates on his rehabilitation status. The captain expressed a need for clarity, stating that expert opinions on Shami's condition are crucial for gauging whether he can reintegrate into the national squad.
Despite Shami's ongoing participation in domestic cricket, concerns about his fitness persist. Rohit acknowledged reports suggesting that Shami has encountered issues related to his knee, underlining that it is essential to ensure his complete fitness before taking any risks. He noted the potential ramifications of sending a player who is not fit enough to compete, underscoring the importance of being completely certain—"not 100%, but 200% sure"—before making the decision to include Shami in the touring party.
Shami's journey back to health has been under the close supervision of Nitin Patel, the head of sports science at the Centre of Excellence. Following his ankle surgery in London earlier this year, Patel's team has consistently monitored Shami's progress and provided assessments to the national selection committee. The bowler had initially aimed for a return in home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand earlier this year but encountered setbacks due to knee discomfort during his recovery.
Over the last month, speculation has grown surrounding Shami's potential comeback in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, especially after he successfully participated in multiple domestic matches for Bengal. This include a performance in the Ranji Trophy where he claimed seven wickets and involvement in nine T20 matches during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Shami’s consistent participation bodes well, but it has not alleviated all concerns regarding his fitness.
It is noteworthy that while Shami has shown promise in regaining his form, feedback indicating swelling in his knees has led to additional scrutiny. The BCCI is yet to officially clear him for international selection, a decision that remains pending despite Shami's active involvement in recent games. When considering his domestic outings, Shami has achieved impressive figures, including nine wickets over 11 matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with his best performance being three wickets for 21 runs against Hyderabad.
Furthermore, the management of the Bengal team has reportedly not received any specific directives from the BCCI regarding Shami's workload during his rehabilitation. Despite this, Shami continued to compete, including in a recent quarter-final match where Bengal faced Baroda. The latest update on his performance comes as the team looks to navigate the upcoming fixtures, with the Vijay Hazare Trophy serving as a crucial opportunity for Shami to demonstrate his readiness for the international stage.
Given the circumstances, Shami's participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy could serve as a litmus test for the national selectors, influencing decisions for future tournaments, including the Champions Trophy. As time draws near for the concluding two Tests against Australia, the urgency for clarity regarding Shami’s state of readiness becomes imperative. The selectors and team management will closely monitor his performances, remaining hopeful that he can contribute significantly should he be deemed fit.
In summary, the current approach regarding Mohammed Shami involves a meticulous evaluation of his fitness, with an emphasis on data-driven decisions backed by the sports science team at the Centre of Excellence. The cricket community in India is keenly watching this situation evolve, as Shami's return could have significant ramifications for the team's performance on the international stage. The upcoming matches will be pivotal for both Shami and the Indian national team's aspirations in the competitive landscape of international cricket.