India's fast bowler Mohammed Shami is poised to make his long-awaited return to competitive cricket after nearly a year. He has been selected in the Bengal squad for their upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, scheduled to commence on November 13 in Indore. This fixture marks Shami's first appearance on the field since the ODI World Cup final held against Australia in Ahmedabad last year.
In the lead-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin on November 22 in Perth, Shami's physical condition has been under close scrutiny. Although he is not included in the current squad for the five-match Test series, there remains hope for his inclusion should he demonstrate adequate fitness levels. Before the selection of the Test squad, Shami expressed his desire to participate in one or two Ranji Trophy matches as part of his preparation for the international series. However, with the Ranji Trophy season divided into two parts, he faces a limited timeline, having only one remaining round to showcase his readiness for red-ball cricket.
If Shami opts to pursue further domestic play following the Ranji encounter, he may also take part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a 20-over tournament that begins on November 23, just a day before the IPL mega auction is set to take place.
Shami's time away from the game has primarily been dominated by recovery efforts from an ankle injury that warranted surgery on his right foot earlier this year in March. Following this procedure, Shami dedicated a significant portion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He previously managed to play a pivotal role in the ODI World Cup, emerging as the top wicket-taker with 24 wickets from seven matches at an impressive average of 10.70. However, he faced additional setbacks due to ankle swelling and a side strain that further delayed his return to action.
Should Shami adequately prove his fitness in the forthcoming four-day match against Madhya Pradesh, there is a tangible possibility that he could be recalled to India's Test squad. The current fast bowling contingent includes notable players such as vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, while Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana have also made the team. In addition, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed are among those in reserve.
Plans for Shami's imminent return were initially positive, as he appeared on track to participate during the Bangladesh series in September. This he hoped would set the stage for his involvement in the Duleep Trophy competition. However, a setback described by captain Rohit Sharma, which resulted in swelling of his left knee, has caused further delays in his recovery process.
The prospect of Shami's participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hinges on the results of his conditioning and performance in the Ranji Trophy. Should an absence from this significant series occur, it is anticipated that Shami could mark his return during the home white-ball series against England in January. This series serves as a precursor to the Champions Trophy scheduled for later in the year, making Shami's rehabilitation and subsequent performance crucial for his international career progression.
In summary, Mohammed Shami's return to the playing field symbolizes not only the resilience and tenacity required in the face of injury but also the high stakes at play for the Indian cricket team as they prepare for a series of key contests in the future. Whether he can reclaim his place among India's elite fast bowlers will depend on his performance in the upcoming domestic fixtures. Fans and the cricketing community alike will keenly follow his journey back to form and readiness for national duty.