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Ravi Shastri known in the cricketing community as one who speaks his mind without thinking of the consequences. The former Indian head coach is in the spotlight again after a recent statement on not including the Mohammed Shami from the Indian squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Ravi Shastri questions the Indian team management about Shami’s injury update
Shami was left out of the Indian squad due to an ankle injury that later required surgery. The Indian pacer made a stunning domestic comeback representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. Expectations were high that he would be included in the squad for India’s tour of Australia. However, an official update from BCCI it is clear that Shami has a swollen knee issue and will not be included in the squad before the 3rd Test match in Brisbane. The delay in communication and prolonged injury for the 34-year-old prompted Shastri to work closely with the pacer during his tenure as head coach of the national team. Shastri expressed his surprise at the way Shami’s situation was handled by the team management.
“Actually, I was very surprised by the communication that happened in the media about what really happened to Mohammed Shami,” Shastri said in the latest The ICC Review.
Further highlighting Shami’s road to rehabilitation when he is in charge of the squad, Shastri questioned various issues throughout Shami’s injury saga and how his absence affected the team which ultimately led to a 3- 1 bashing at the hands of a determined Australian side.
“Where is he when it comes to recovery? He sat in the NCA for I don’t know how long. Why doesn’t the correct communication come out of his position? A player of his ability, I would have taken him to Australia, “I would have kept him part of the team and made sure his rehabilitation was done with the team,” Shastri concluded.
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Shami’s record in Australia underlines his importance
One of the main reasons that Shami’s dismissal had a major impact on the Indian team during their tour of Australia can be seen in his outstanding track record in the country. The seasoned pacer has an impressive history in Australian conditions, having played 8 Test matches and taking 31 wickets at a respectable economy rate of 3.55. His contributions included two remarkable five-wicket hauls, which demonstrated his ability to deliver game-changing performances in challenging overseas conditions.
Shami’s presence in the squad could bolster India’s bowling attack, offering experience and skill, which have proved vital in past victories. His absence was keenly felt as India failed to retain BGT, a prestigious title they had held for the past decade. The series defeat not only ended an incredible streak but also highlighted the gaps in the team’s performance under pressure.
Looking ahead, Shami’s fitness and readiness to compete at the highest level will play a crucial role in shaping India’s future campaigns. His game level stamina and sharpness will be crucial for India’s future ambitions ICC Champions Trophy 2025as well as their bid to regain dominance in Test cricket during the challenging five-match series in England. Shami’s proven ability to thrive in high-stakes situations makes him an indispensable asset for the team, and his return could be key to India’s rise to the global stage.
