Indian team embarked on the tour of South Africa, where they will play 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 2 Tests starting December 10 with the 20-over matches. The Indian team traveled from Bengaluru to Dubai and then to Durban, especially the members of the T20I squad.
Coach Rahul Dravid and all members of his support staff will be flying out with the T20I squad led by Suryakumar Yadav. The first T20I match is scheduled for December 10 at Kingsmead in Durban.
One big concern for the Indian contingent is an injury to star pacer Mohammad Shami. Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the recent ICC World Cup 2023 with 24 scalps, including 3 fifers and a best of 7/57.
The Indian pacer, widely regarded as one of the best seam and swing bowlers in the world, reportedly faces issues with his ankle. Shami has been included in the squad for the two-Test series and has understandably been rested for the white-ball leg of the tour, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs.
Shami has also been named in the India squad for practice match before the Test series, which starts on December 26 at Centurion in Pretoria. While announcing the squads on November 30, the BCCI stated that Shami's participation in the tour is contingent upon his recovery.
"Mr. Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment, and his availability is subject to fitness," said the BCCI at the time of announcing the squad on November 30.
Cricbuzz reported that Shami played through the World Cup with an ankle injury and experienced discomfort, particularly during landing while bowling.
As per a PTI report, Shami was in Mumbai to see a sports orthopedic in early December and would stay at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to recover from the injury.
“It is not exactly an on-field injury. It is an ankle condition that has developed. Shami came to Mumbai to consult the doctors. He will also go to NCA for rehab and recuperation work,” a BCCI source told PTI.
It was also stated that Shami will be advised to focus on Test cricket going forward and may not be considered for white-ball assignments. His participation in T20 World Cup 2024 will depend on his performance for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024.
(Cricbuzz and PTI inputs)
