Mohammed Shami highly doubtful for Tests against South Africa

Mohammed Shami is highly doubtful for the Tests against South Africa. The star pacer sustained an ankle injury while bowling in one of the games in the ODI World Cup 2023. Due to this, Shami was given a rest for the T20I series against Australia. Ahead of the tour of South Africa, the Indian pacer was picked only in the Test squad, like many other senior players.

The likes of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma are all playing only in the longest format in the tour of South Africa. Neither of them was picked either for T20Is or for ODIs. Likewise, Shami was picked for the tour only in Tests. But there was a big question mark over his participation in the series. The Indian Cricket Board mentioned that his availability is in doubt.

The Indian Cricket Board released its statement for India’s tour of SA, where it mentioned that a call on Shami’s participation would be taken based on his recovery. In the statement, the Indian Cricket Board stated that Shami is undergoing medical treatment for his ankle injury. “Mr. Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment, and his availability is subject to fitness,” said the statement.

Virat and Bumrah to join the Indian squad soon

Reports suggest that the participation of Shami is extremely doubtful, as he has yet to fully recover from the treatment. If what reports suggest are to be believed, Shami might well miss out on India’s series against South Africa. In his absence, there might be someone from the limited overs squads, who might get a callup as a replacement. The decision on the same might be taken soon.

Meanwhile, some of the Indian players who are in the tour of SA for the Test series and are yet to join the squad, are likely to join the squad on Friday. Senior players like Virat and Bumrah will be joining the Indian squad on the 15th of December. The first Test of the series will take place on the 26th of December.