The Indian squad for the upcoming South Africa tour has sparked curiosity and concern among fans as star pacer Mohammed Shami, the standout performer from the recent World Cup, is notably absent from the ODI and T20 formats. Shami’s phenomenal display in the World Cup had earned him global acclaim, leaving many puzzled by his exclusion from the white-ball series.
Speculations around his absence were put to rest by a recent statement from the BCCI. The 33-year-old fast bowler is currently undergoing medical treatment and dedicatedly working on enhancing his fitness levels. The decision to keep him out of the limited-overs series is rooted in his ongoing medical attention. It’s anticipated that once he recovers fully, Shami will make a swift return to white-ball cricket.
While Shami hasn’t made the cut for the limited-overs formats, he finds a spot in the Indian squad for the Test series in South Africa. There’s optimism that his fitness will be restored in time for his participation in the Test matches.
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The upcoming India-South Africa series is set to kick off with a two-match Test series, commencing on December 26th, followed by the second match on January 3rd.
Shami’s Stellar World Cup Performance:
During the World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami emerged as the leading wicket-taker, showcasing his prowess on the field. Across seven matches in the tournament, Shami impressively clinched a total of 24 wickets in seven innings, averaging 10.70. His exceptional performance included four-wicket hauls and an impressive three instances of securing five-wicket hauls, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the cricketing world.