"Want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return" - Mohammed Shami aims to make comeback only after regaining full fitness

Team India new-ball seamer Mohammed Shami has said that he won't make a return to the side till he's 100% fit. The right-arm seamer said that he wants to ensure that he suffers no discomfort when he makes a comeback.

Shami hasn't played for India since the 2023 World Cup final against Australia in November at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted at the 34-year-old's comeback in the home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, it's likely to be delayed.

At the CAB's Annual Awards, Shami said that he has been out of action for quite some time but wants to return only when he's fully fit. As quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, he said:

"I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time. However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return.

"I've to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort. The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don't want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the Australia series."

The Bengal seamer was in lethal form during the 2023 World Cup, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in seven games. He bagged the wicket of David Warner in the final, but India lost the match by six wickets.

"If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will" - Mohammed Shami

The 34-year-old also added that he has started bowling already and is ready to play domestic cricket to prove his fitness, if required:

"I've already started bowling, but I won't take any chances until I am 100% fit. If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will. What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format."

India's home season begins with the two-Test series against Bangladesh on September 19.