Mohammed Shami to return for India vs New Zealand Tests? The pacer reveals

India has been without the services of ace fast bowler Mohammed Shami for almost a year now. The pacer, who rattled New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, has not played a single match since that World Cup edition. After scripting an enthralling performance in the marquee event, Shami sustained an ankle injury. Recovery from the injury has kept Shami away from cricket for months. Earlier reports suggested that the pacer was eyeing a comeback for Team India during the Bangladesh Tour of India. However, when the BCCI announced India’s red-ball squad for the Bangladesh Test series, Shami’s name was notably absent. The pacer had earlier been given an exemption from participating in the Duleep Trophy as he continued to recover from his injury.

Mohammed Shami speaks on his return to the Indian team for New Zealand series

In a recent interaction, Mohammed Shami maintained an air of uncertainty surrounding his return to the cricket field. This comes after a recent report hinted at his possible comeback for India during the upcoming Test series against New Zealand next month. Shami has been out of action due to the ankle injury, which eventually required surgery earlier this year. The pacer was anticipated to return for the home Test series against Bangladesh, starting next week in Chennai. However, the 34-year-old fast bowler was not included in the preparatory Duleep Trophy tournament last month. Meanwhile, as Shami missed the Bangladesh series, no official updates were provided by the selectors on his recovery status.

Now, Shami has opened up about his recovery but remained non-committal about a definitive return date. Refuting rumors of his comeback in the home series against New Zealand next month, Shami stated that he would ensure 100 percent fitness before making a decision about his inclusion in the Indian side.

“I am trying to make a return as soon as possible because I know that I have been away for a long time now. But I also want to make sure I have no doubts in my mind when I return. The stronger I return, the better it is for me, and the fewer chances there are for me to get injured again,” Shami said.

"So, it doesn't matter whether I return for the Bangladesh, New Zealand, or Australia series. I have already started bowling. But as I said, I don't want to take any risks. Until I feel 100 percent fit, I won't agree to come back, irrespective of the format or the opposition. If I have to play domestic, I will even play that,” he added.

An earlier report had predicted Shami’s comeback in the New Zealand series, which is scheduled for October in India. The update went on to mention that Shami would feature in the Ranji Trophy before making a return to the national side for the Test series. Shami is expected to play either one or both of Bengal's opening matches against Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the domestic tournament starting next month. However, these reports remain speculative, as the pacer himself has not provided a concrete statement on his comeback.