Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has made a remarkable return to competitive cricket, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether he will be part of the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After a year-long absence, Shami marked his return in the Ranji Trophy with an impressive 4-wicket haul. His performance, coupled with his rhythm and fitness, has put him back in contention for the prestigious Test series. However, reports indicate that the BCCI has set two conditions for his inclusion. Let’s dive into the details of Shami’s comeback, the conditions that need to be met, and the potential timeline for his return to the national side.
Mohammed Shami’s Dream Comeback: A Stellar Performance in Ranji Trophy
Shami’s return to competitive cricket after 360 days was nothing short of sensational. In his Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, Shami picked up 4 wickets, showcasing his trademark pace and precision. But it wasn’t just the wickets that caught the attention—it was his fitness and rhythm after such a long layoff that impressed the selectors and fans alike.
During the match, Shami bowled 19 overs across multiple spells, showcasing his ability to maintain high levels of intensity and focus. More importantly, he was able to field for long periods without experiencing any major discomfort, a positive sign for his fitness levels. However, despite his standout performance, Shami’s inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad is not yet a done deal.
BCCI’s Conditions for Mohammed Shami’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy Inclusion
While Shami’s return to form has raised hopes, the BCCI and the national selectors are proceeding with caution. According to reports, the Indian cricket board has set two main conditions that Shami must meet in order to make the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
- Fitness Test in the Second Innings of the Ranji Match:
Shami’s fitness will be closely monitored during the second innings of the ongoing Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, which is being played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. His ability to bowl another 15-18 overs without any signs of pain or swelling will be a critical factor. The medical team from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) will assess his physical condition after this spell of bowling. - Approval from the NCA Medical Team and Selectors:
After the Ranji match concludes, the feedback from the NCA medical team and BCCI selectors will be crucial. Ajay Ratra, a member of the selection committee, and Nitin Patel, head of the NCA Medical Team, have been closely monitoring Shami’s progress. They will assess whether he is fit enough to handle the demands of a high-intensity series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If both Ratra and Patel give their green light, Shami will be added to the squad.
Timeline and Potential for Shami’s Inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The timing of Shami’s potential call-up is tight, with the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth, Australia. If Shami proves his fitness by the conclusion of the Ranji Trophy match on November 16, the BCCI could arrange for him to travel to Australia just in time for a two-day/night practice match against the Prime Minister’s XI. This practice match is seen as a final opportunity for Shami to prove his fitness before the high-profile series kicks off.
Who Makes the Final Decision on Shami’s Inclusion?
The final decision regarding Shami’s inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad will be made by a combination of factors, including feedback from the medical team, selectors, and the team’s management. Ajay Ratra and Nitin Patel will play pivotal roles in assessing Shami’s fitness, while captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir will be consulted about the pacer’s readiness for international cricket.
According to a BCCI source, “The selectors had only one match to check Shami’s fitness. He 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. But the biggest test would be whether he again feels any pain after four days. If the NCA medical team green-lights his fitness, he will join before the second Test.”
The Importance of Mohammed Shami in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Shami’s experience and skill could be a major asset to India’s bowling attack in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Known for his ability to generate pace and swing, Shami has been an integral part of India’s Test team for years. His inclusion in the squad could add depth to India’s pace-bowling arsenal, especially on the bouncy and fast pitches of Australia. With the series expected to be highly competitive, having a fully fit Shami could give India the edge in key moments.
Conclusion: Will Shami Make the Cut for Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
Mohammed Shami’s return to form in the Ranji Trophy has put him back in contention for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but his inclusion is far from guaranteed. The next few days will be critical in determining whether Shami can meet the BCCI’s fitness requirements and earn his place in the squad. With a tightly packed schedule and limited time to prove his fitness, Shami will have to impress both the selectors and the medical team if he is to make the cut for the prestigious series.
