(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Gujarat Titans suffer a setback as Mohammad Shami, their seasoned pacer, has reportedly been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 due to a left ankle injury. Shami’s absence from the cash-rich T20 league stems from the necessity of undergoing surgery in the UK, sidelining him for the entire tournament.
According to a reliable BCCI source, Shami sought special ankle injections in London at the end of January with the hope of returning to fitness within three weeks. However, the treatment failed to yield the desired results, leaving surgery as the sole recourse. The 33-year-old is set to depart for the UK for the operation, effectively putting his IPL participation in jeopardy.
“Shami was in London in last week of January to take special ankle injections and he was told that after three weeks, he can start light running and take it from thereon. But the injection hasn’t worked and now the only option left is surgery. He will shortly leave for UK for surgery. IPL seems out of question,” a senior BCCI source said as quoted to the PTI.
Shami’s last appearance for India was in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia on November 19, 2023, in Ahmedabad. Despite grappling with a chronic heel injury throughout the tournament, Shami showcased remarkable resilience and emerged as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in seven matches at an exceptional average of 10.71. However, India fell short in the final as Australia secured victory by six wickets.
While Shami’s heroic efforts in the World Cup 2023 were laudable, hopes for his participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, slated to commence in the West Indies and the USA on June 1, appear dim. Reports suggest that Shami aims to stage his comeback during India’s tour of Australia later this year.
Criticism has surfaced regarding the handling of Shami’s injury, with suggestions that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) should have prioritised surgery from the outset. The decision to opt for injections and a brief period of rest proved ineffective, leading to the inevitable need for surgery.
“Shami should have gone directly for surgery and that should have been NCA’s call. Just two months of rest and injections wouldn’t have worked well and that’s what has happened. He is an asset and the Indian team would need him in Australia,” the source added.