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India’s Test and ODI captain, Rohit Sharma will return to competitive action after leading the side to a 2-0 series win against Bangladesh last month. The 37-year-old will take over the reigns once again as India hosts New Zealand for three-match Test series, starting Wednesday, October 16 in Bengaluru.
While the upcoming Test series is of significant importance for both India as well as New Zealand, seeing the World Test Championship (WTC) Final set to be played next year in June. However, the Men in Blue sit comfortably at the top of the standings, just three more Test match wins will confirm them a place in their third consecutive WTC Final. Speaking ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma shared a big update on Mohammed Shami’s fitness.
We don’t want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia: Rohit Sharma
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of first Test in Bengaluru, skipper Rohit Sharma gave a massive update on Shami’s availability for highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While India would desperately need Shami to be fit for the series, but fresh injury concerns have put him doubtful for the upcoming five match Test series, down under.
"To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling in his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He's at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don't want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed," Rohit Sharma said on Tuesday.
For the unversed, Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup 2023, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker. Shami suffered an ankle injury and underwent a surgery in February 2024. However, he was on track to get fit for the New Zealand Test series, but suffered another injury and is currently under rehabilitation at the NCA, Bengaluru.
