According to a source from the BCCI, senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami will miss the upcoming Indian Premier League due to a left ankle injury, requiring surgery in the UK. Shami, aged 33, last played for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November and has been dealing with the injury since then. Despite experiencing discomfort in his landing, Shami played a crucial role in India’s World Cup campaign, taking 24 wickets.
“Shami was in London in last week of January to take special ankle injections and he was told that after three weeks, he can start light running and take it from thereon. But the injection hasn’t worked and now the only option left is surgery. He will shortly leave for UK for surgery. IPL seems out of question,” a BCCI official said on the issue.
Mohammed Shami ruled out of IPL 2024. (PTI). pic.twitter.com/mPbtbquypS
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 22, 2024
With 229 Test wickets, 195 ODI wickets, and 24 T20 wickets in his career, Shami’s absence raises concerns about the effectiveness of his injury rehabilitation under the National Cricket Academy (NCA). It seems unlikely that he will return before India’s Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand in October and November, with a potential target for his comeback being the series against Australia. Some insiders feel that the NCA’s cautious approach may not have been effective in managing Shami’s injury.
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