Mohammad Shami is reportedly set to return to the national team for the upcoming white-ball series against England. The veteran pacer has not played for India since his appearance in the 2023 World Cup final.
Shami underwent an operation on his Achilles tendon in February last year, and made his return to competitive action through the first phase of Ranji Trophy and the subsequent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Bengal.
Speculations were rife that Shami will make his much-awaited comeback in the last two Tests of the recently held Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but the board revealed that the fast bowler has developed a swelling in his left knee and won’t be able to travel to Australia.
Shami is currently part of Bengal's side in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and is set to play again in the pre-quarterfinal against Haryana in Baroda on Thursday (January 9). He is under close observation by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical team
According to a report from Cricbuzz, Shami is likely to get a nod from the NCA to feature in the Indian team during the England series, starting on January 22 in Kolkata.
India are set to host England in five T20Is and three ODIs in their final preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and Shami has been tipped to be part of all squads.
The same report also claims that Akash Deep is unlikely to recover from his back issues and will miss the England series. Akash missed India's fifth Test on the tour of Australia in Sydney and is likely to be sidelined for a month.
Akash is yet to make his white-ball debut for India and will require fitness clearance from the NCA ahead of the Selection Committee's meeting to decide the Indian squad for the England series.
In addition to Akash's absence, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to be given a rest from the T20Is against England due to the workload they endured during the BGT.
The situation with Bumrah remains uncertain, as the selectors are awaiting a report from the NCA. The Indian pace spearhead was unable to bowl in the second innings of the Sydney Test due to back spasms. He is expected to report to the NCA soon.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
