Ravi Shastri He is known in the cricket community as someone who speaks his mind without thinking about the consequences. The former Indian coach is back in the spotlight after a recent statement regarding the exclusion of Mohamed Shami of the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Ravi Shastri questions Indian team management over Shami’s injury update
Shami has been out of the Indian team due to an ankle injury which later required surgery. The Indian pacer made a surprising comeback in the domestic league representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. It was widely anticipated that he would be included in the squad for India’s tour to Australia. However, an official update of the BCCI He clarified that Shami had a knee inflammation problem and would not be included in the team before the third Test match in Brisbane. The delay in communication and the 34-year-old’s long injury wait have instigated Shastri to work closely with the pacer during his tenure as head coach of the national team. Shastri expressed his shock at the way the team management has handled Shami’s situation.
“To be honest, I was very surprised by the information that was spread in the media about what exactly happened to Mohammed Shami.” Shastri said in the latest edition of The ICC Review.
Further highlighting Shami’s path to rehabilitation had he been in charge of the team, Shastri questioned the various issues in the entire Shami injury saga and how his absence negatively affected the team, ultimately leading to a 3-game loss. -1 at the hands of a certain Australian side.
“Where is he as far as recovery goes? He’s been at the NCA for I don’t know how long. Why can’t your position be adequately communicated? A player of his ability would have brought 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 highlights his importance
One of the main reasons why Shami’s exclusion had a significant impact on the Indian team during its tour of Australia is evident from his exceptional record in the country. The experienced pacer has an impressive history in Australian conditions, having played 8 Test matches and secured 31 wickets with a respectable economy rate of 3.55. His contributions include two notable five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver breakthrough performances in challenging overseas conditions.
Shami’s presence in the team could have significantly bolstered India’s bowling attack, offering both experience and skill, which has proven crucial in past victories. His absence was keenly felt when India failed to retain the BGT, a prestigious title it had held for the last decade. The series loss not only ended a remarkable run, but also highlighted deficiencies in the team’s performance under pressure.
Looking ahead, Shami’s recovery and readiness to compete at the highest level will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future campaigns. His fitness and match-level acumen will be vital to India’s ambitions in the years to come. ICC Champions Trophy 2025as well as their quest to regain dominance in Test cricket during the challenging five-match series in England. Shami’s proven ability to thrive in high-risk situations makes him an indispensable asset to the team, and his return could be the key to India’s resurgence on the world stage.