Just focus on physical fitness: Sanjay Manjrekar advices Indian selectors to back Mohammed Shami for BGT 2024-25

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, there are several speculations whether Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami will be seen playing in the upcoming Test series in Australia. The right-arm pacer was last seen playing in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Since then, he hasn’t been seen in action due to knee injury. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar suggested the Indian selectors to take Shami to Australia even if he is 70% fit to play as the fast bowler can still turn out to be a dangerous player for opposition.

Mohammed Shami was recording well during his rehabilitation at National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and was expected to make a comeback in the Test series against New Zealand starting on October 16. However, during the final stage of his recovery, Shami sustained a swollen knee that led to a delay in his comeback in international cricket. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming next month, Mohammed Shami could be crucial player for India down under. 

There are a very few bowlers like Shami: Sanjay Manjrekar

With the all important Test series in Australia next month, Sanjay Manjrekar suggested that Mohammed Shami doesn’t need to be 100% fit to give his best on a cricket field. The former cricketer believes that if the bowler is physically fit, he can easily bowl 30 overs in a day. Manjrekar  advised the selectors to take Shami to Australia if he is physically fit. 

“I would say just focus on physical fitness. There is no need to focus on match fitness. If he is physically fit and if he thinks he can bowl 30 overs per inning, then straight away take Shami along. If you look at his performance, he doesn't physically put much effort into it. His magic is in his final bowling action. His wrist is very tight. So, there are a very few bowlers like him. They (bowlers like Shami) even trouble top class batters with 70% fitness. That's exactly how he is. If he doesn't bowl at home, (and ) then if he passes the fitness test, he should in the team. Not just the squad, but the Playing XI,” Manjrekar was quoted as saying by Crictracker.