‘It is difficult to…’ - Rohit Sharma shares worrying update about Mohammed Shami’s participation in Border Gavaskar Trophy

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has given a worrying fitness update about Mohammed Shami. The 34-year-old was set for a return to cricket for the New Zealand Test series but was hampered by yet another niggle. This has now raised a huge question mark regarding Shami’s return for the Border Gavaskar series. 

Rohit, while speaking to the media said, “To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for the Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling in his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He’s at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don’t want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed,”

A few days back, there were rumours spreading about Shami missing the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy, however, the speedster took to social media and wrote “Why these type of baseless rumors? I’m working hard and trying my level best to recover. Neither the BCCI nor me have mentioned that I am out of the Border Gavaskar series. I request the public to stop paying attention to such news from unofficial sources.” The 34-year-old also termed the reports fake as he hadn’t put out a statement. 

When will Mohammed Shami comeback to the field?

The right-arm pacer Mohammed Shami last played during the ODI World Cup 2023 where he was the leading wicket-taker. After that, he missed the tour of South Africa, the home series against England and also the IPL. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had initially hoped that the veteran star would make his comeback during the Bangladesh series. 

According to one BCCI source, the entire team has been working hard with the pacer at the national cricket academy. “Shami had resumed bowling and was on track to return soon, but the knee injury has flared up recently. The BCCI medical team is assessing the extent of the damage, but this could delay his return by a few months.”

India are set to tour Australia with the first Test in Perth set to be played on 22nd November. Akash Deep played both Test matches against Bangladesh and managed to impress the team management. If Shami isn’t fit then the 28-year-old Bengal pacer becomes a huge candidate to book his place in the side for the tour down under.