NEW DELHI: Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami expressed his gratitude to fans and supporters as he prepared for his return to competitive cricket after nearly a year-long hiatus.
Shami posted a message on X, stating that being away from the game for 360 days felt like a very long time, and he’s now eager to make his comeback with the same passion and energy.
“Back in Action. 360 days is a long long time!! All set for the Ranji Trophy. Now back on the domestic stage with the same passion and energy. Huge thanks to all my fans for your endless love, support, and motivation,- let’s make this season memorable!,” Shami wrote.
Shami is set to make his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket in Bengal‘s Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, starting Wednesday.
Sidelined since the 2023 World Cup final on November 19 due to an ankle injury and subsequent surgery, Shami will look to prove his fitness in a real match setting after an intensive rehabilitation program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“In a major boost to Indian cricket and the Bengal Ranji Trophy team, star pacer Mohammad Shami will make a comeback into competitive cricket for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match in Indore starting on Wednesday,” CAB secretary Naresh Ojha said in a statement.
Speculation was rife about Shami’s inclusion in the Indian squad for the Australia tour, but skipper Rohit Sharma dismissed the idea, stating he preferred not to take an “undercooked” senior pacer Down Under.
Shami had been instrumental in India’s historic 2-1 Test series win in 2018-19 against Australia, taking 16 wickets at an average of 26.18.
Instead of rushing his return, Shami focused on regaining full fitness at the NCA, where he bowled at full intensity in the nets under the watchful eye of India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel.
