India Pacer Mohammed Shami Set to Return for Bengal in Upcoming Ranji Trophy

New Delhi: Renowned Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is set to make his return to competitive cricket after nearly a year, with the upcoming Ranji Trophy scheduled to begin in October. Shami, who has been out of action since the ODI World Cup last year due to an ankle injury, underwent surgery for the same. Following his surgery, the Bengal pacer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and is now approaching the final stages of his recovery.

According to a PTI report, Shami might turn up for Bengal in either of their opening away Ranji Trophy matches against Uttar Pradesh on October 11 and the next one in Kolkata against Bihar on October 18. He might also play one of three Test matches against New Zealand before the tour of Australia.

The New Zealand Test series starts from October 19 in Bengaluru followed by Tests in Pune (October 24) and Mumbai (November 1). While there are Instagram videos of Shami starting off with his RTP routines (Return To Play) at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, bowling with low-intensity shortened run-up, there were reports that the 34-year-old could be available for the Duleep Trophy.

However, it has been learnt that there was no chance of him getting fit during the Duleep Trophy and the selectors don’t want to take any chances by rushing him earlier than required. The priority is to have India’s top three pacers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj – fit for the five Tests in Australia. Shami has so far taken 229 wickets from 64 Tests with six five-wicket hauls.