Mohammed Shami Set To Make A Comeback In Duleep Trophy?

India’s star bowler, Mohammed Shami, has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the 2023 World Cup. Shami, who was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, had an outstanding performance in the semi-final against New Zealand, claiming seven wickets—a record for an Indian pacer in World Cup history. The recovery process has been lengthy and challenging, extending over nine months, but there are signs that a comeback could be on the horizon as early as September. Reports suggest that Shami may need to participate in the Duleep Trophy to demonstrate his match fitness before he can rejoin the Indian team for an upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The 33-year-old pacer is currently undergoing the final stages of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Recent updates indicate that Shami has made significant progress in his recovery, a development confirmed by Ajit Agarkar, the chief of the All India Men’s Senior Selection Committee.

Shami’s return would be a welcome boost for the Indian cricket team, particularly given his impressive form before the injury. His participation in the Duleep Trophy would not only serve as a fitness test but also provide valuable match practice. If all goes well, Shami could be in line for selection for the Test series against Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in his comeback journey.

“We more or less know who the guys are, there are some injuries at the moment and hope they will be back up. Shami has started to bowl which is a good sign. September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal. I don't know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that,” Agarkar told before the tour to Sri Lanka in a press conference.

“There are so many Tests coming. We will need some depth. Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, these are the obvious ones. But there will be some conversation around it. Got a lot of first-class cricket coming up so we can build guys up like that,” he added.

Mohammed Shami, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had expressed a strong desire to play first-class cricket for his home team, Bengal, before making his international comeback. However, if he returns to the Indian squad and participates in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, it could affect his availability for domestic cricket. Following the Bangladesh series, India will face New Zealand in home Tests and embark on a tour to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Given the demanding international schedule, it seems unlikely that Shami would be able to participate in the Ranji Trophy. His return to international cricket would involve a tight schedule with significant series and tournaments lined up, leaving little room for domestic commitments. Therefore, while Shami’s desire to play for Bengal is noted, the intensity of the international fixtures may prevent him from featuring in the Ranji Trophy.