Mohammed Shami has been officially ruled out of the remaining two Tests in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed. This decision comes after Shami, who has been recovering from a right heel injury, developed minor swelling in his left knee following an increase in his bowling workload.
The 32-year-old pacer had previously made his return to competitive cricket by featuring in domestic matches after undergoing surgery for the heel injury. Shami’s participation in the ongoing series had been eagerly awaited by fans and experts, especially after his impressive performances in domestic cricket. He bowled 43 overs during the Ranji Trophy and was actively involved in all nine matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His return to form had raised expectations of his impact in the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
However, the BCCI medical team determined that the swelling in Shami’s knee was due to joint loading from the increased bowling intensity, a typical part of recovery. This led to the decision to pull him out of the final two Tests to avoid further complications. In an official statement, BCCI Honorary Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia explained that Shami’s knee required more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads, and he was not fit for the demands of Test cricket at this stage.
Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under the supervision of the BCCI medical staff to ensure his long-term fitness. His unavailability for the remaining matches in the series is a significant blow to the Indian bowling attack, as Shami’s experience and skill are seen as pivotal for India’s chances in the series.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had earlier acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Shami’s availability, stressing the importance of patience during the recovery process. “The last thing you want is a player coming back too soon and pulling out mid-game,” Rohit remarked, urging the management to wait for a clear update from the medical team before making any decisions about Shami's return.
With the series tied at 1-1 and India looking to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shami’s absence leaves a noticeable void in the bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah has already been struggling to find consistent support from the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana, making Shami’s withdrawal all the more impactful.
While Shami’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be evaluated based on his recovery progress, the BCCI’s cautious approach is a reflection of their focus on ensuring that the pacer is fully fit for future challenges. As India prepares for the remaining matches in the series, the management will need to adjust their bowling combinations to make up for Shami’s absence in the crucial final phase of the competition.
