The Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that India’s gun fast bowler Mohammad Shami is set to miss the upcoming T20 World Cup. Shami recently underwent an ankle surgery in the United Kingdom, which is expected to keep him out of action.
Shami has already been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League and he might not be ready for the T20I showpiece. Meanwhile, Shami was right on the money throughout the ODI World Cup and bowled brilliantly with his seam-up position, which has always been his strength.
Shami ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in seven matches and he bowled with an impressive average of 10.71, including three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul.
The fast bowler from West Bengal also bagged seven wickets in the all-important semifinal against New Zealand. Shah revealed that Shami will return for the home series against Bangladesh.
“Shami surgery is done, he is back in India. Shami’s return is likely for the home series against Bangladesh,” Jay Shah told PTI.
In Shami’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead India’s pace battery in the T20 World Cup. India will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland on 5th June at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
Meanwhile, Shami ended IPL 2023 as the Purple Cap winner as he bagged 28 wickets in 17 matches and played a key role in taking Gujarat Titans to the final of the tournament.
Gujarat Titans will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at Ahmedabad on March 24. Shubman Gill will lead the franchise in the upcoming season after Hardik Pandya moved back to Mumbai Indians.
