‘The door is open but…’ WATCH- Rohit Sharma makes worrying statement on Mohammed Shami’s likely return

After the loss to Australia in the second Test match by 10 wickets, Rohit Sharma faced a barrage of questions from the media. One of the questions asked was about fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s likely return for the rest of Australia’s tour. The 34-year-old is currently playing for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. 

Rohit Sharma said, “Definitely, the door is very much open, but we are just monitoring him, because while playing in Syed Mushtaq Ali, he again got some swelling in his knee, which hampers his preparation to come and play a Test match. We want to be very careful and don’t want to bring him here where he plays and then he pulls up sore or something happens.”

Rohit Sharma updates Mohammed Shami's fitness and his chances of playing in the latter stages of the series #AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/wNfi2e9Ho7

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 8, 2024

The Indian skipper also said, “We want to be 100% sure with him because it has been such a long time since he hasn’t played. To be fair to him, we don’t want to pressure on (Shami) to come here (Australia) and do the job for the team. There are some professionals who are monitoring him.”

When asked by the media about BCCI’s medical team who are with Shami, Rohit replied, "Yes, they are there with him and we will take the call based on what those guys (medical team) feel because they are the ones who are watching him, Every game, he pulls up after bowling 4 overs and standing 20 overs so we have to be careful but like I said, the door is open for him to come play anytime.”

BCCI all set for Shami’s return but still waiting NCA clearance

In the last few weeks, Mohammed Shami has been bending his back for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. The 34-year-old has been picking wickets for his side and has been bowling really. Indian Express stated in a report that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to get the nod from the National Cricket Academy (NCA). 

One source who spoke to the newspaper said, “Shami's India kit has already been dispatched to Australia. He will complete the Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 assignment and then leave." Even former coach Ravi Shastri has urged Shami to make a quick return considering the bad bowling performance during the Adelaide Test. 

Meanwhile, Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla, during his chat with PTI, said, “Shami will be playing the pre-quarterfinal for us against Chandigarh. He will join us in Bengaluru by tomorrow. However, I am not sure if he will be available if we qualify for quarters or go the distance. Guess he will be fit and available for last two Australia Tests."