Shami to miss New Zealand series

Contrary to earlier reports and the high hopes pinned on his recovery, Mohammad Shami will not be available for the three-Test series against New Zealand at home, which begins on October 16.

The India fast bowler, who has been undergoing rehabilitation following Achilles tendon surgery, is now expected to make his return during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year.

Shami, who underwent surgery on his right Achilles tendon in the UK in February, has been working on his recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. The 34-year-old has not played any cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup and missed out on India's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in June. He had played through significant pain during the 50-over tournament, relying on injections to get through matches.

The prospect of Shami returning for the two Tests against Bangladesh, starting September 19, was always slim. Despite some optimism within the BCCI regarding his potential participation in the New Zealand series, sources have confirmed to Sportskeeda that Shami will not be fit for the series against the Black Caps, including the final Test beginning November 1.

Shami is now most likely to make his comeback during the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, with the first Test set to commence on November 22 in Perth. This series will be a significant milestone for Shami, as it brings him back to the scene of his injury during the 2020/21 BGT, when he suffered a right forearm fracture in the infamous Adelaide Test.

In addition to his international return, Shami is expected to play in at least a couple of matches during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. The Gujarat Titans pacer's participation, however, will be subject to clearance from the NCA, as he has yet to receive his fitness certificate.