Rohit Sharma gives key injury update on Mohammed Shami after big loss in 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed that pacer Mohammed Shami had swelling in his knees after playing in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy back home and needs to be monitored further before he's considered for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Shami has been out of action since the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. He underwent surgery for an ankle injury after the tournament but during recovery, developed a knee issue which delayed his comeback by many months.
He returned on November 13 for a Ranji Trophy game against Madhya Pradesh and then played seven T20s in the SMAT, taking eight wickets overall.
"We are just monitoring him because while playing Syed Mushtaq Ali, he got some swelling in his knee, which hampers his preparation to come and play a Test match. We want to be very careful, we don't want to bring him here, he pulls up sore or something happens," Sharma said in the press conference after the Adelaide Test.
He added:
"We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don't want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime."
India won the first Test in Perth but conceded a 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide on Sunday. Shami's absence was felt because neither Mohammed Siraj nor Harshit Rana could offer enough control and thus support to Jasprit Bumrah.
"We look forward to shared responsibility" - Rohit Sharma
Sharma also agreed that Bumrah needs more support, making a point on "shared responsibility" in the press conference. He said:
"Great to have someone like Bumrah but he's not the only one to get the job done. There are other bowlers as well. We look forward to shared responsibility. That's what everyone understands."
India and Australia will play the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 14.