Indian captain Rohit Sharma has addressed pacer Mohammed Shami’s potential return to the team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Speaking exclusively after India’s 10-wicket defeat to Australia in the second Test in Adelaide, the top-order batsman stated that the “door is very open” for Shami.
“We are just monitoring him because while he was playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he felt swelling in his knee, which is making it difficult for him to prepare to come and play a Test match. him here just for him to be sore or for something else to happen,” Sharma said.
“We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it’s been a long time. We don’t want to pressure you to come here and do the work for the team. will take a call based on what these experts feel. They are the ones who watch him in every game, seeing how he gets up after the game, after bowling four overs or defending 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and. play anytime,” he added.
The pacemaker’s return to the squad has not yet been officially confirmed.
Shami, who last represented India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against the Australians, underwent ankle surgery shortly after.
Despite the setback, the 34-year-old made a strong comeback by claiming seven wickets for Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh.
Furthermore, he impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by taking eight wickets in 27.3 overs.
With the win, Australia leveled the series at 1-1, setting the stage for a thrilling third Test at the Gabba from December 14-18.
