Mohammad Shami made a triumphant return to cricket after one year as he took 7 wickets for Bengal in their recent Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Madhya Pradesh in Indore.
This was Shami’s first game since the 2023 World Cup final after which he suffered an ankle injury and had to undergo surgery to fix the issue. He missed quite a few important series and tournaments. He was supposed to return to action against New Zealand in Tests at home.
But he suffered another knee injury and his comeback was delayed. But when he actually made his comeback for Bengal, it looked like he hadn’t missed a beat. This also meant the hopes of fans and experts of seeing Mohammad Shami play for India in the upcoming BGT 2024 Test series also became strong.
However, Aakash Chopra, a former opener for India, believes it would be unreasonable to force the seasoned pacer into Test cricket after only one game following his recuperation.
India's pace department includes vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep besides seam-up allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana. Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Washington Sundar are the three spinners in the squad.
Chopra feels that Shami looked 'undercooked' in the domestic game and putting him in Test cricket, that too in Australia, so early might turn out to be a questionable call.
"Mohammad Shami has played a match (Ranji). We weren't able to see much of his bowling as it was not being streamed. We did see the wickets he took. I'd say he is undercooked. Honestly, we want Shami to be there (in Australia) because Bumrah, Shami, Siraj -- there's a different ring to it. In Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep combination, we can see a bit of weakness. Lack of experience can be felt," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
"To push Shami into Test cricket so early will be a questionable call because he hasn't played since last one year. You play one match after a year and suddenly you put Shami in a Test game, that won't be fair. If there's a breakdown during the match or if there is no form, then everyone will ask 'Why was there so much desperation to play Shami?'" he said.
Chopra also noted that Australian playing fields can be taxing on athletes' bodies. This in turn increases the likelihood of a new injury or a flare-up.
"Secondly, the grounds in Australia are very soft, so there are chances of recurrence of injury. I would say Shami should take more time. We all want Shami to play as soon as possible, but we shouldn't hurry his return," Chopra added.
The BGT 2024 will begin on November 22 with the first Test in Perth.
