Reports: Mohammed Shami doubtful for BGT 2024-25 due to knee injury

Mohammed Shami. (Photo by CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/AFP via Getty Images)

Star India pacer Mohammed Shami has reportedly hit yet another roadblock on his road to recovery after he developed swollen knees while he was undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and there is a chance that the 34-year-old might be out for another six to eight weeks.

With India gearing up for the upcoming Border Gavaskar series 2024-25 in Australia, Shami’s new injury could prove to be a hindrance to the side. The marquee series is all set to start on November 22 in Perth, and it is worth noting that Shami has been working to get back to full fitness since February 2024. 

He last played for India in the ODI World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad, after which he underwent Achilles tendon surgery in February. Furthermore, Shami was expected to turn up for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, which is starting on October 11. 

“Shami had resumed bowling and he was looking on track to make a comeback to competitive cricket soon. But this knee injury has flared up recently. BCCI’s medical team is assessing the injury but it may require quite a bit of time,” a BCCI source in the know was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

“It’s a jolt for the NCA medical team. They have been working on him for over a year. They have one of the best workload management systems in place. The medical team is trying its best to put him back in the park soon,” the source added. 

It is worth noting that the BCCI has been very careful in managing the workload of their pacers. Bumrah and Shami have been given periodic rests in order to keep them away from injuries. Jasprit Bumrah recently played a two-game Test series against Bangladesh, and with India gearing up for the Tests against New Zealand, it is yet to be seen whether Bumrah will be a part of the squad.