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With the Indian squad heading out on a month-long
all-format tour of South Africa, Mohammed Shami’s injury is the main worry.
According to reports, the Indian pacer—who is recognised as one of the world’s
top seam and swing bowlers—is having ankle problems. His ankle seems to be a
problem right now, but there’s still time for the team management and the Board
of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to decide whether or not to allow him to
play in the tour.
Shami has been added to the team for the two-Test
series, but it makes sense that he was rested for the three T20Is and three
ODIs that make up the white-ball portion of the tour. In addition, he has been
selected for the three-day pre-Test match that will take place in Centurion in
Pretoria on December 26. The BCCI had mentioned that Shami’s participation in
the tour is dependent on his recuperation when they announced the selections on
November 30.
When announcing the squad on November 30, the BCCI
stated, “Mr. Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment, and
his availability is subject to fitness.” Shami has reportedly been
struggling with an ankle ache that hasn’t gone away since the World Cup,
according to sources. Despite being the World Cup’s greatest wicket-taker,
Shami was uncomfortable during playing, especially when he was landing when
bowling.
The Indian team is scheduled to depart for Durban via
Dubai from Bengaluru in the early hours of Wednesday. Coach Rahul Dravid and
all members of his support staff will be flying out with the Twenty20 squad led
by Suryakumar Yadav. The first Twenty20 match is scheduled for December 10 at
Kingsmead in Durban.