Mohammed Shami, who will get the Arjuna Award on January 9, is enjoying time at home after being ruled out of the upcoming two Tests in South Africa, which begin on December 26 in Centurion. This is due to the speedster’s failure to recuperate from an injury sustained earlier this year during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Mohammed Shami was spotted feeding and playing with a cat in a sweet Instagram video on Thursday, December 21.
Watch the touching video below:
The BCCI’s most recent update on Shami:
“Mohammed Shami, whose participation in the Test series was subject to fitness, has not been cleared by the BCCI Medical Team and the fast bowler is ruled out of the two Tests.”
Shami was last seen in action during the 2023 World Cup, when he finished with the most wickets in the 50-over competition. In just seven games, the pacer took 24 wickets. However, the Men in Blue were defeated in the final by eventual victors Australia.
Mohammed Shami’s absence in SA Tests a big problem for India, opines Aakash Chopra
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels Mohammed Shami’s absence will be a significant setback for India in the two Tests against South Africa. In Tests, the cricketer-turned-commentator described him as a different beast. On his YouTube channel, he recently stated:
“Mohammed Shami is an amazing player. You are filled with pride with the kind of World Cup he had. He won’t be there. He has an injured ankle. In my opinion, it’s a big problem because when you think about Mohammed Shami, you see wickets with the new and old balls.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra added:
“You have seen his magic in ODIs, but Test brings the best out of him. His Test numbers in South Africa are also thumbs-up with both hands. So we are going to miss you, Mohammed Shami. Who will come in his place will be a big question.”
Aakash Chopra
In South Africa, Team India has failed to win a Test series. The tourists won the first Test on their previous tour in 2021-22, but then lost the next two, leaving the series 1-2.