Mohammed Shami fit to join the Indian squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy?

After being absent from any cricketing action for almost a year, India's primary pacer, Mohammed Shami made his comeback in the game through the ongoing Ranji Trophy. His spell for Bengal, moreover, displayed Shami to be in control of his rhythm with the lethal pacer scripting a dazzling spell. The seasoned pick scalped four wickets against Madhya Pradesh at the Holkar turf in Indore. Now, reports suggest that his impressive spell in the Ranji Trophy clash can lead the pacer to Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. While the Indian squad has already reached Perth to prepare for the opening Test, Shami could be a late addition to the squad. However, the decision will solidify after noting the seamer's form across the Ranji match-run which includes the second innings as well.

Mohammed Shami in contention to join the Indian squad for BGT 

Reportedly, the Indian selection panel is impressed by Shami's all-round performance in the Madhya Pradesh vs Bengal Ranji match. While his four wickets were a standout, it was his methodical approach that provided the Indian team management with significant reassurance. This marked Shami’s first appearance in cricket since the ICC ODI World Cup final last year. Although he failed to claim a wicket on Day 2, his persistence paid off on Day 3 when he finished with figures of 19-4-54-4.

In his spell, Shami claimed the wickets of Madhya Pradesh skipper Shubham Sharma, all-rounder Saransh Jain, and two tailenders. Moreover, Shami bowled out three of his four victims, while one edged to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha. This performance was encouraging for India, but as reported in the latest update, the national selection committee will closely monitor how Shami’s body reacts during the second innings, particularly checking for any swelling or discomfort in his knee by the end of the match.

"Obviously, Shami was asked to play this game keeping in mind that the next round of Ranji Trophy will only start on January 23 after the Test season is over," the BCCI source explained. "So, the selectors had only one match to check his fitness. He has bowled 19 overs in multiple spells and fielded for most part of the 57 overs. He bowled 90 dot balls. But he will again have to bowl and field (in the second innings). Suppose he bowls another 15 to 18 overs in the second innings, that's a very decent amount of overs bowled," the source added.

If Shami passes all the fitness checks, he is likely to join the Indian squad before the second Test in Australia for the BGT. The head of selection committe and the NCA Medical team, both of whom are present in Indore to check on Shami's form, are expected to hand a feedback to the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar. If Agarkar along with Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma deem Shami fit for the challenge down under then the primary pacer can join India following the Perth Test. While the Ranji Trophy match concludes on November 16, Shami’s possible inclusion in the squad before the first Test in Perth, scheduled for November 22, may leave little time for a thorough assessment.

"But the biggest test would be whether he again feels any pain after four days. If the NCA medical team green-lights his fitness, obviously he will join before the second Test," the BCCI source further added.

Should he be cleared, Shami would get the opportunity to participate in a two-day day/night practice match against the Prime Minister’s XI before playing the main contest. Beyond his wickets, the primary concern for the BCCI’s medical team is how well Shami’s body recovers, especially after a lengthy absence from the game. Having not played since the ODI World Cup final on November 19 last year due to an ankle surgery and a subsequent knee swelling, Shami’s comeback has been eagerly awaited, but his fitness remains a crucial factor.