An ankle injury has kept Mohammed Shami out of any cricket since the 2023 World Cup final, in Ahmedabad. Shami claimed 1-47 that night in a heartbreaking defeat that came four days after his 7-57 in the semi-final, against New Zealand at Mumbai.

Shami ended the World Cup with an astonishing 24 wickets from seven games. No one with as many wickets in a series in the history of men’s ODIs has a better average than his 10.70 or a strike rate remotely close to his 12.2. It will, thus, not be an exaggeration to say the injury came when Shami was at his devastating best.

When will Mohammed Shami return?

He is 34 now, but Shami’s focus is on recovering fully before returning to the fold. “Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main jaanta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I know I have been out of the team for some time, and am working towards a comeback as soon as possible),” he said at a Cricket Association of Bengal awards ceremony, as reported by PTI.

“However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I've to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort. The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don't want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the Australia series. I've already started bowling, but I won't take any chances until I am 100 per cent fit.”

Bengal, the domestic team Shami plays for, have included him for their 31-member longlist of Ranji Trophy probables. Bengal begin their season with a match against Uttar Pradesh (interestingly, the state Shami hails from) on October 11.

“If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will,” Shami assured. “What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format.”

India play two Test matches against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand, all at home. Since they typically play two fast bowlers for home Tests, they may not hurry Shami back. However, he will be of greater importance when India tour Australia later this year.

Shami, thus, has time on his side. He also has little doubt over who the favourites are going to be: “Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (we [india] are the favourites, they [Australia] should be worried).”

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