![Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami Engage in Tense Discussion Over Knee Injury Comments](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/12/09/550x309/rohit_shami_1733730932624_1733730941770.jpg)
Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami Engage in Tense Discussion Over Knee Injury Comments
9 days ago | 5 Views
The situation regarding Mohammed Shami of Team India is proving to be more critical than previously anticipated. For the past two months, there has been a strong belief that Shami was on the verge of rejoining the Indian team. However, after three-Test series, he remains active in the Bengal squad. Following an ankle surgery earlier this year, which caused him to miss both the IPL and the T20 World Cup, Shami played his first competitive match since the 2023 World Cup on November 13, where he took seven wickets against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. He has since demonstrated continued improvement in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
During the post-match press conference after India's 10-wicket defeat to Australia, captain Rohit Sharma provided an update on Shami, stating that the opportunity for his return remains open. He noted, "We are closely monitoring his condition, as he experienced some swelling in his knee while playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali, which affects his readiness for Test matches. We must exercise caution; we do not want to risk bringing him back only for him to experience discomfort or injury."
Sharma emphasized the importance of ensuring Shami's complete fitness before his return, stating, "We want to be more than 100 per cent certain about his condition, given the time he has been away. We do not wish to impose pressure on him to perform for the team. Professionals are overseeing his progress, and we will make decisions based on their assessments. They are monitoring his performance closely, including how he recovers after matches and his physical condition after bowling."
Nevertheless, a report from Dainik Jagran indicates that tensions may exist between Rohit and Shami. This issue reportedly arose last month during a Test series against New Zealand. Before the first match in Bengaluru, Rohit disclosed that contrary to the belief that Shami was fully fit, he was experiencing knee swelling. In response, Shami had previously dismissed media claims of a new injury as false, asserting that he was fit and eager to play. This incident appears to be just the beginning of a more complex situation.
Shami, Rohit's heated meeting
During his time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shami encountered Rohit ahead of the first Test in Bengaluru. According to a source cited by Jagran, their interaction involved a vigorous discussion regarding the captain's comments about Shami's current condition and his availability for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia.
On the eve of the first Test in Bengaluru, Rohit remarked, "At this moment, it is quite challenging for us to determine whether he will be fit for this series or the one against Australia.
"He recently experienced a setback due to an unusual swelling in his knee. He was in the process of regaining his fitness, nearing 100%, when this knee swelling occurred, which hindered his recovery and necessitated a fresh start."
What next for Mohammed Shami?
The inquiry is straightforward: Is Rohit opposed to including Shami in India's Test squad? What other reason could there be for the ongoing uncertainty regarding his participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? Although Shami's kit for the tournament and his visa for Australia are prepared, he remains in limbo, despite consistently representing Bengal in the SMAT. The BCCI has yet to provide him with the necessary approval, pending one final confirmation from the NCA.
Even if he is permitted to join, Shami is virtually excluded from the Brisbane Test. Nevertheless, with a week-long interval between the Gabba and Melbourne, the Boxing Day Test presents a viable opportunity for Shami to make his return to the Indian team after more than a year.
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