Cricket

Mohammed Shami's Recovery Progress: Stitches Removed, Eager for Next PhaseIndian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has taken a significant step in his recovery from ankle surgery, with his stitches now removed. The 33-year-old pacer, who missed the recent Test series against England and will sit out the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), shared an update on his progress on social media."Hello everyone! I wanted to provide an update on my recovery process. It has been 15 days since my surgery, and I recently had my stitches removed. I am thankful for the advancements and looking forward to the next stage of my healing journey," Shami wrote on Twitter.Shami underwent surgery last month to address an ankle injury that had been troubling him for some time. Despite the pain, he played a key role in India's impressive performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets.The veteran pacer has been a mainstay of the Indian bowling attack for over a decade, with 229 Test wickets, 195 ODI wickets, and 24 T20 wickets to his name. He was recently honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award for his contributions to Indian cricket.Shami's absence from the IPL and the upcoming T20 World Cup is a blow to the Indian team. However, the pacer remains optimistic about his recovery and is eager to return to action as soon as possible."I am working hard on my rehabilitation and am confident that I will be back on the field soon. Thank you for all your support and well wishes," Shami added.

Rishabh Pant's much-anticipated return to cricket is imminent, with BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirming that the wicketkeeper-batter will participate in the upcoming IPL. Shah expressed optimism that Pant could also feature in the T20 World Cup later this year, provided he can maintain his fitness and wicketkeeping abilities.Pant has been sidelined since a horrific car accident in December 2022, which left him with severe injuries. However, he has made remarkable progress in his recovery and is now batting and keeping well. Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has already confirmed Pant's participation in the IPL, while co-owner Parth Jindal expects him to be fully fit and lead the team from the start.Meanwhile, India's premier pacer Mohammed Shami is also expected to make his comeback later this year. Shah revealed that Shami's ankle surgery was successful, and he is likely to return for the home Test series against Bangladesh in September. Shami missed the Test series against England and will also sit out of the IPL due to his injury.KL Rahul, who missed the last four Tests of the England series due to a quadriceps injury, is also expected to return for the IPL. He has undergone treatment in London and is currently undergoing rehab at the NCA. However, it is understood that Rahul is still awaiting clearance to join his IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants.The return of Pant and Shami will be a major boost for India, who are aiming to win the T20 World Cup on home soil later this year. Pant's wicketkeeping skills and explosive batting will be crucial for the team, while Shami's experience and pace will strengthen the bowling attack.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has been dealt a major setback as he is set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a persistent left ankle injury. The 33-year-old pacer, who has been battling this issue for some time now, will undergo surgery in the United Kingdom to address the problem.Shami's absence from the IPL, which is scheduled to commence on March 22, is a significant blow to his franchise, the Gujarat Titans, who were hoping to retain their title with the services of their star bowler. The right-arm pacer has been a key figure in India's recent success in limited-overs cricket, playing a pivotal role in their run to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.The injury concerns surrounding Shami have raised questions about the injury rehabilitation management program planned by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Some experts believe that a more aggressive approach, such as opting for surgery earlier, could have potentially accelerated his recovery and allowed him to participate in the IPL.Shami's absence from the IPL is not only a setback for his franchise but also for the Indian team, as he is a vital cog in their bowling attack. With a packed schedule of international fixtures in the coming months, including Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, as well as the marquee away series against Australia, Shami's availability will be crucial for India's success.The injury to Shami highlights the importance of effective injury management and rehabilitation programs for athletes. With the increasing demands of modern-day cricket, players are often pushed to their limits, making it essential for teams and support staff to prioritize player welfare and ensure that injuries are addressed promptly and appropriately.