India fast bowler Mohammed Shami is set to miss out on One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20I cricket in the near future due to an ankle condition, according to news agency Press Trust of India. Shami’s focus will now be on prolonging his Test career, which means he will likely refrain from participating in white-ball games. His availability for the T20 World Cup next year will depend on his performance in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
As per reports, Shami’s decision to prioritize Test cricket is influenced by the upcoming series against England, where the conditions are favorable for reverse swing, a technique at which he excels. With seven Test matches scheduled, including five against England at home, Shami’s role will be crucial.
The news agency PTI stated, “Whether Shami will play 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.”
Earlier this week, Shami was selected in India’s squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa. He was seen at Mumbai airport on Friday, where he visited a sports orthopaedic specialist for his ankle condition. There are hopes that he will recover in time for the first Test in Centurion, starting from December 26.
A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “The national selectors wouldn’t have selected him had there not been a chance of him getting fit in time for the Boxing Day Test.”
During the recent ODI World Cup, Shami did not feature in the first four matches due to team composition requirements. However, he got an opportunity in the fifth match after Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury. Shami made the most of his chance, taking 24 wickets in seven games and playing a significant role in India’s successful run in the tournament, which saw them reach the final.
It remains to be seen how Shami’s ankle condition progresses and whether he will be able to make a strong comeback in the IPL, which could determine his participation in next year’s T20 World Cup.
