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The Rohit Sharma-led Team India played their last international match ahead of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League. However, the India versus England Test series had some key players unavailable for selection. While a few opted out of it, a few others missed as they were nursing their respective injuries.
Among these few big names was Mohammed Shami, who is currently recuperating from an ankle surgery. However, his return remains to be the talking point after the pacer was ruled out of the IPL 2024. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, Jay Shah has made a big statement on Shami’s return to competitive cricket.
Speaking to PTI, Jay Shah revealed that Shami will make his comeback in the home Test series against Bangladesh, later this year. “Shami’s surgery is done, he is back in India. Shami’s return is likely for the home series against Bangladesh,” the BCCI Secretary said.
It is to be noted that Shami last featured for India in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. He finished as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament and was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award post his brilliant performance with the ball.
Jay Shah also shared an update around KL Rahul stating, “KL Rahul needed an injection. He has started rehab and is at the NCA.” The Indian wicketkeeper-batter missed the last four Tests against England after he complained of pain in right quadriceps.
He is a big asset: Jay Shah on Rishabh Pant’s return
The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah also spoke about Rishabh Pant’s return to competitive cricket. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who has been out since December 2022 is set to return to competitive cricket in IPL 2024. “He is batting well, he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very soon. If he can play the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us. He is a big asset for us,” Jay Shah told to PTI while speaking on Pant’s return.
Shah further revealed that if Pant can keep the wickets, he is surely find a place in the Indian quad for the T20 World Cup, set to take place this year in June in the USA and West Indies. “If he can keep, he can play the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL,” Shah said.