"There is too much hype being given to this trophy" - Mohammed Shami on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Mohammed Shami reckons the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy is being overhyped because of the potential impact of its result on India's World Test Championship final qualification scenarios. He also expects to be fit and available for international duty very soon.
India will face Australia in a five-match Test series, with the first game starting in Perth on November 22. It remains to be seen if Shami, who hasn't been picked for the ongoing three-match series against New Zealand, is selected for the trip Down Under.
In an interaction with Sports Tak, Mohammed Shami was asked when he is likely to be back to competitive cricket, especially considering the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
"Don't know when but very soon. There is too much hype being given to this trophy. We are talking about it a lot because of the championship (World Test Championship) race. I feel we don't need to talk about it that much," he responded.
The India seamer pointed out that the visitors have excelled in their last two trips to Australia and shouldn't be under any pressure.
"The boys have shown their talent and skill the last two times. I don't think you need to take a lot of pressure. You need to concentrate on your natural skill, practice, fitness and recovery. I don't think we need to create so many difficult things," Shami said.
India have registered 2-1 wins in their last two away Test series in Australia. They have also won the last two home series 2-1, with their last reversal against the Kangaroos being the 2-0 loss in the 2014-15 series in Australia.
"It is extremely fine at the moment" - Mohammed Shami on his recent knee swelling
![Mohammed Shami last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/60f4e-17295748433538-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same interaction, Mohammed Shami was asked about the status of his knee, considering Rohit Sharma had spoken about a slight swelling.
"It is extremely fine at the moment. I had just stopped for one week because of that as I am also sometimes worried as it's the operation leg and there shouldn't be any reaction. Due to dryness, more load comes on my front foot. So I don't want problems in that and because of that, we had stepped back," he replied.
The right-arm seamer added that the swelling was a concern only for a week and that he hasn't had any issues while bowling in the last couple of weeks.
"The small thing became so big, the guy had it less and it was more in the market. Things shouldn't be blown out of proportion. Yes, confirmation is required. As far as Rohit is concerned, he said it after asking us if anything was there because as a captain, he should know the reality. However, it was just for a week. I have been bowling decently for two weeks and there have been no issues thus far," Shami elaborated.
Mohammed Shami concluded by noting that he would want to prove his fitness in the Ranji Trophy before being considered for the Australia tour. He pointed out that spending time on the field in top-quality cricket would hold him in good stead Down Under.