Cricket

Mohammed Shami's return to competitive cricket has been further delayed as he was not included in the Bengal squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Bengal will face Karnataka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium from Wednesday, followed by a clash with Madhya Pradesh in Indore from November 13.Shami was expected to feature in the Karnataka fixture to assess his fitness in a match situation. He had bowled at full tilt in the nets after India's recent Test against New Zealand, albeit with a bandage on his operated leg. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel also monitored his progress.Shami expressed confidence in his recovery, stating that he felt "100%" in the nets. "I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can't put too much stress on my body. So, we decided that I would bowl properly, and I gave my 100%," he said.However, India skipper Rohit Sharma cautioned against rushing Shami back into action. "We don't want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed," Rohit said.In addition to Shami, Bengal will also be without Abhimanyu Easwaran, Abhishek Porel, and Mukesh Kumar, who are currently with the India A squad in Australia. Akash Deep, who was part of the Indian team for the New Zealand series, was also omitted from the state squad.Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha, who has announced his retirement from cricket after the ongoing domestic season, has been named in the squad for the two matches.

Mohammed Shami's much-anticipated return to competitive cricket has been further delayed, as the Bengal pacer's name was conspicuously absent from the squad for their upcoming Ranji Trophy matches against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.The 34-year-old has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup due to an Achilles heel injury that required surgery in February. Despite months of rehabilitation, Shami's fitness remains a concern, prompting the BCCI to recommend that he play for Bengal first to assess his condition.Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla had expressed optimism about Shami's availability for the away matches, but the pacer's absence has raised doubts about his readiness for international duty.Shami himself had indicated a desire to play domestic matches before joining the Indian team for the Australia tour. "It's better that I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia," he had said. "I don't know when I can play next, but the day I feel comfortable bowling 20-30 overs and get the nod from the doctors, I'll make a run to play a match."However, it appears that Shami has not yet reached the desired level of fitness. The pacer's absence from the Bengal squad suggests that he may not be ready for the rigors of international cricket just yet.The delay in Shami's return is a setback for both the player and the Indian team. Shami is a key member of the Indian pace attack, and his experience and skill would be invaluable in the upcoming Test series against Australia.The BCCI will continue to monitor Shami's progress and make a decision on his availability for the Australia tour at a later date. In the meantime, the pacer will focus on regaining full fitness and proving his readiness for international duty.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, will miss Bengal's upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka due to an ongoing ankle injury. The Bengal squad, announced on Saturday, did not include Shami's name.However, there is a strong possibility that Shami will return to action in Bengal's subsequent match against Madhya Pradesh, scheduled to begin on November 13 in Indore. Sources close to the team have indicated that Shami is unlikely to be rushed back into action and will make his competitive return at his own pace.Shami, who has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests, has been recovering from an ankle injury since the conclusion of the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup. He underwent surgery in February and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.Despite his absence, Bengal remains in a strong position in Elite Group C of the Ranji Trophy, holding fourth place with five points after three matches. Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla will be hoping that Shami's return will provide a significant boost to the team's title aspirations.Shami's last competitive match was the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup final against Australia, where he emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps. He played a pivotal role in India's historic Test series win in Australia in 2018/19, claiming 16 wickets in four matches.If Shami recovers in time, he could be available for the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Brisbane, starting on December 14. His return would be a major boost for India, who are looking to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after their triumph in 2020/21.

Cricket Fraternity Extends Diwali Wishes, Emphasizing Light, Joy, and ProsperityAs the festival of Diwali illuminates homes and hearts across India and the world, the cricket fraternity has joined in the celebrations, extending heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity.Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant took to social media to express his joy, writing, "Wishing everyone a Diwali full of light, happiness, and joy. May this festival bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to you and your family."India pacer Mohammed Shami echoed Pant's sentiments, saying, "May the divine light of Diwali bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your life. Shine on and have a joyous Diwali."KL Rahul, another prominent Indian batter, sent his fans a message of warmth and blessings, writing, "Wishing you warmth, light, and endless blessings. Happy Diwali."Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag expressed his hope for joy and happiness, saying, "Wish u a sparkling and a cracker of a Deepawali. May this Deepawali bring lots of joy and happiness in your life."Irfan Pathan, another former India cricketer, emphasized the triumph of light over darkness, writing, "Wishing everyone a Diwali filled with light, love, and endless blessings. May this festival of lights bring joy to your heart, peace to your home, and success to your path. Let's celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and spread happiness far and wide."The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also extended its greetings, writing, "Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali."Diwali, the Festival of Lights, holds immense significance in India and beyond. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Celebrations typically include prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, sharing sweets and snacks, exchanging gifts, and lighting fireworks.The cricket fraternity's Diwali wishes reflect the spirit of the festival, emphasizing the importance of light, joy, and prosperity. As the world celebrates Diwali, the cricketers' messages serve as a reminder of the values that unite us all.

Mohammed Shami's Absence a Major Blow for India in Border-Gavaskar TrophyAhead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia, the absence of star pacer Mohammed Shami has cast a shadow over the Indian team's prospects. Shami, who has been sidelined since November due to an ankle injury, is considered one of the most potent fast bowlers in the world.Former Australia captain Tim Paine has expressed his belief that Shami's absence will be a significant setback for India. "Shami is going to be a huge difference," Paine said on The Grade Cricketer podcast. "Bumrah, there is so much on his shoulders. If he gets hurt, then it's curtains for me."The Border-Gavaskar series, which begins on November 22, will feature five Tests played across Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The series is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams boasting world-class players.India's squad for the series includes captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, and a host of talented batsmen and bowlers. However, the absence of Shami leaves a significant void in the bowling attack.Shami's ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a formidable threat to any batting lineup. His absence will put additional pressure on Bumrah, who is already India's leading fast bowler.India will need to find a way to compensate for Shami's absence if they want to challenge Australia in their own backyard. The likes of Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna will be expected to step up and fill the void.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious Test series in cricket, and the absence of Shami is sure to add an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming contest.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has expressed his disappointment on social media after being overlooked for the upcoming Test series against Australia. Shami has been sidelined since the ODI World Cup 2023 final due to an ankle injury and subsequent knee swelling.Despite recently declaring himself pain-free, the selectors opted to exclude him from the squad. Shami took to Instagram to share a video of his training, expressing his determination to regain match fitness and return to the red-ball format.Australia head coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged Shami's absence as a significant loss for India. However, he emphasized that his team will not underestimate the replacement pacers, citing India's victory in the Gabba Test in 2021.McDonald also hinted at the possibility of Shami joining the Indian team for the second half of the Australia tour if he proves his fitness in Bengal's upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. India has a strong record in Australia, having won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in their last two visits.Shami's injury has opened the door for other bowlers to stake their claim in the Test team. The likes of Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Jaydev Unadkat will be eager to impress and cement their places in the squad.The absence of Shami is a blow to India's bowling attack, but it also presents an opportunity for other bowlers to step up and prove their worth. The upcoming Test series against Australia promises to be a fiercely contested battle, and the outcome could hinge on the performances of the bowlers from both sides.

Mohammed Shami's absence from India's squad for the upcoming Australia tour has raised concerns among experts, with former batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressing doubts about the team's bowling strength.Shami, who has been struggling with a foot injury and Achilles tendon surgery, was not included in the squad, leaving a void in India's pace attack. In his place, youngsters Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana have been called up to join Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.Manjrekar believes that Shami's absence will be a significant blow to India's chances of success in Australia. "This seam attack, which we are so proud of and have won so many matches on its performances, seems to have a problem," he said. "Bumrah's form has been terrific, but Siraj's form has dipped and there is no Shami. I am sure Australia won't be too nervous seeing this Indian seam attack."Manjrekar also pointed out that the inexperience of Krishna and Rana could be a factor. "Prasidh Krishna can make a surprise cut in the XI for India Down Under," he said. "But Siraj has underperformed. On the last tour, Siraj was at his peak. Yash Dayal came under the radar of Indian selectors but he has now disappeared completely, so that is surprising to me."India will be aiming for a hat-trick of series wins in Australia, having triumphed on the 2020-21 and 2022-23 tours. However, the absence of Shami and the concerns over Siraj's form could make their task more difficult.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an 18-member Indian cricket team squad for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The series, which begins on November 22 in Perth, will feature matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.While the squad boasts a strong bowling lineup, there are notable absences, including Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist-spinner, was unavailable for selection due to a chronic left groin issue. He had featured in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru but was replaced by Washington Sundar in the second contest.BCCI clarified that Yadav has been referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for long-term resolution of his injury.Mohammed Shami, who last played in the ODI World Cup in November 2023, has not recovered from a knee injury in time. Despite assurances of being fit, he has not been included in the squad.Axar Patel, on the other hand, has been named in the T20 squad that will travel to South Africa for a four-match series starting next month.Despite these absences, India's bowling lineup remains formidable. The squad includes Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a prestigious series between India and Australia, and both teams will be eager to claim victory. India will be looking to retain the trophy, which they won in 2018-19.

Mohammed Shami, India's seasoned pacer, is on the road to recovery after a year-long absence due to an ankle injury. The 34-year-old underwent Achilles tendon surgery earlier this year and has been working diligently to return to competitive cricket.Shami's recovery has progressed steadily, and he recently shared a video on social media showcasing his bowling prowess in the nets. The clip, accompanied by a motivational quote, highlights his determination to regain his fitness."Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out," Shami wrote.The veteran fast bowler has been training intensively, even bowling to India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar in the nets after India's first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.Despite nearing full fitness, Shami was ruled out of the ongoing three-Test series against New Zealand. However, he remains optimistic about his return as India prepares for a five-Test series in Australia next month."It felt great because I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can't put too much stress on my body," Shami said earlier. "We decided that I would bowl properly, and I gave my 100%. It felt great, and the results are good. Hopefully, I'll be back on track soon."Shami emphasized the importance of spending more time on the field before India's crucial tour of Australia, which begins on November 22 in Perth. He also expressed his desire to play a couple of domestic matches to regain match fitness before embarking on the overseas tour."I know what kind of an attack we want for that Test series (against Australia), so it's better I spend some more time on the ground before going," Shami said. "If I get fit and I get a gap of eight to 10 days, then it's better I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia."India will be hoping for a fully fit Shami to bolster their pace attack in what promises to be a high-intensity series Down Under.