Shami, India’s star during the 2023 ODI World Cup, has not played a game since the final last November, having been sidelined due to an ankle injury. He underwent surgery in February 2024 in London, forcing him to skip the Indian Premier League as well. He has also not been part of India’s squad for the upcoming series against Australia.

Shami had recently addressed the rumours about his availability for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ahead of the squad announcement. Various reports had suggested the Bengal pacer would not be fit for the tour, however, Shami called out the fake news. He also claimed that he was “100 per cent pain-free” in another media interaction.

Recently, he was also seen bowling full-tilt with a heavily strapped knee for over an hour.

Shami picked for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad

Shami will begin his comeback journey in the Ranji Trophy, having been picked in Bengal’s squad for their clash against Madhya Pradesh, starting on Wednesday in Indore. This will be his first ever outing in any professional cricket game in nearly a year. Since his Test debut, in 2013-14, Shami has played only five Ranji Trophy games – four in 2017-18 and the other in 2018-19.

Bengal are currently in fifth place in the points table in their group, with eight points from four games.

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