Cautious Mohammed Shami not looking to rush himself back into action

Star India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has revealed that he doesn’t want to rush himself back into action ahead of upcoming Test calendar. Notably, Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup 2023 and has undergone surgery for his ankle injury.
The star cricketer has started bowling again in his practice sessions and is eyeing to make comeback soon. However, he wants to make sure that there isn’t any discomfort when he returns and hence is taking time to be fully fit.
“Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (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,” Shami told reporters at Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) annual awards ceremony.
The fast bowler further said that he isn’t targeting any particular series to make a comeback and isn’t willing to take any chances till he’s 100% fit.
“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. I’ve already started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I am 100% fit,” he added.
India are set to play ten Test matches in the next five months including two against Bangladesh, three against New Zealand at home. They will further travel to Australia for the all-important five-match series beginning from November 22. Shami’s services will be required by the Rohit Sharma-led side down under where India will be aiming for their third consecutive Test series victory.
Commenting on India’s chances this time around, Shami feels his team is favourite to complete a hat-trick of wins and Australia should be worried.
“Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (We are the favourites, they should be worried),” he further said.
The fast bowler also revealed his plans to play in domestic cricket to get himself match ready.
“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,” Shami added.
Shami is likely to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 set to begin from October 11.