Kolkata : In heartbreaking report, Indian star pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of Border Gavaskar Trophy’s remaining Tests due to minor swelling on left knee, BCCI confirmed on Monday, December 23, 2024.
BCCI stated that while Shami has fully recovered from right heel surgery, persistent swelling in his left knee remains concern.
“The BCCI Medical Team at the Centre of Excellence has been working closely with Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami on his recovery and rehabilitation after his right heel surgery. Shami has completely recovered from this heel problem,” said the BCCI statement.
However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload for which his further hopes of participation in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 are over.
“The swelling is expected, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period. Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads”.
“Consequently he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” the BCCI statement read.
Shami returned to the domestic circuit and bowled 43 overs in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in November.
He also played in all 9 games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) for Bengal, where he also engaged in additional bowling sessions on the sidelines to build his bowling volume and prepare for the Test matches. Although he picked wickets, his hopes are broken for his left knee swelling.
Shami will continue to undergo strength and conditioning work under the guidance of the medical staff at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) and build the bowling loads needed to meet the essentials of Test Cricket. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee.
