Rohit Sharma gives update on Mohammad Shami's injury, says 'don't want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia'
PTC News Desk: Rohit Sharma, India's Test and ODI captain, revealed an upsetting piece of news to the media on Tuesday before of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. When questioned about Mohammed Shami's recovery status, Rohit confirmed that the pacer would not travel with the team to Australia for the 5-match Border-Gavaskar Test series.
Shami hasn't played since the ODI World Cup in 2023. On several occasions, the veteran pacer was expected to return but was met with difficulties.
Shami experiencing swelling in knees
Rohit told reporters in Bengaluru that he does not want to bring Shami to Australia for the Test series, even if he is fit. The explanation for this decision is that Shami is 'undercooked' after not playing cricket for a long time.
"To be honest, it is difficult to make a decision on him for the Australia series. He experienced a setback and swelling in his knees. We do not want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We're keeping our fingers crossed," Rohit stated.
"He was in the process of getting healthy, almost at 100%, when he had swelling in his knee, which slowed his recovery. So he had to start over. He is currently at NCA, working with the physios and doctors there," he continued.
'Don't want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia'
Rohit even stated that the team management wants Shami to get back to full health before rejoining the national team.
"Our fingers are crossed; we want him to be 100 percent fit. We do not want to bring an undercooked Shami to Australia; it would not be the best move for us.
"It is quite tough for a fast bowler, having missed so much of cricket, and then suddenly to come out and be at his best, it is not ideal," he pointed out.
The National Cricket Academy staff continually works with Shami, and the bowler is anticipated to play a few internal matches to prove his fitness. "He is supposed to play a couple of (practice) games before he plays international cricket," said the official.
- PTC NEWS
