In a twist of fate, the Indian cricket team faces a potential setback as seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami’s participation in the upcoming Test series against South Africa hangs in serious doubt. Speculation looms large, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Shami is eventually ruled out of the two crucial matches against the Proteas.
The injury saga unfolded on December 5 when Cricbuzz reported that Shami is grappling with an ankle injury, forcing him to miss the flight to South Africa along with the rest of the Test squad. Scheduled to leave for Johannesburg on December 15, the 33-year-old veteran finds himself sidelined due to the lingering ailment.
While the core group, including skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin, Navdeep Saini, and Harshit Rana, prepares for the South African sojourn, Shami’s absence leaves a void in the pace attack. The selectors are yet to announce a replacement for the seasoned campaigner, but with a plethora of players already in South Africa for various formats, a quick reshuffling of the pace bowling lineup seems imminent.
Shami’s inclusion in the Test series was already a conditional pick when the squads were announced on November 30. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it explicit that Shami was undergoing medical treatment, and his availability hinged on his fitness. The statement issued by BCCI read, “Mr. Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment, and his availability is subject to fitness.”
It has now come to light that Shami had been battling ankle pain, a consequence of shouldering the workload during the World Cup. Despite the discomfort, he valiantly continued, especially experiencing pain while landing on his right foot at the delivery point. The toll on Shami’s body raises concerns not just for the immediate Test series but for his overall fitness and longevity in international cricket.
The impending Test series against South Africa comprises two crucial matches, the first starting on Boxing Day, December 26, at Centurion, and the second at Newlands in Cape Town. Before the Tests, a three-day game is scheduled for the Test picks from December 20. The Indian team’s itinerary in South Africa also includes the conclusion of the T20I series at the Wanderers, followed by three ODIs on December 17, 19, and 21.
Meanwhile, skipper Rohit Sharma, breaking his silence since the World Cup final, addressed the fans in a heartfelt video message. Expressing gratitude for the unwavering support, Rohit acknowledged the fans’ disappointment at falling short of the World Cup glory. “Everywhere we went during this entire campaign, there was so much support from everyone who came to the stadium firstly and people who were watching it from home as well,” Rohit said.
The skipper’s sentiments echoed the collective dream shared by fans and players alike – lifting the coveted World Cup. Despite the heartbreak of falling short, Rohit expressed deep appreciation for the fans’ unwavering support during the month-long cricketing spectacle.
As the Indian cricket team grapples with the uncertainty surrounding Shami’s fitness, the narrative takes an emotional turn with Rohit Sharma’s acknowledgment of the fans’ support. The cricketing world now watches with bated breath, awaiting the final word on Shami’s availability and the subsequent ripple effect it may have on India’s quest for success in South Africa.