Mohammed Shami Ruled Out of IPL Due to Ankle Injury: Report

Senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been ruled out from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a left ankle injury, as confirmed by a source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to PTI on Thursday. Shami, 33, who is not currently part of the ongoing Test series against England, last appeared for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November.

According to the source, Shami travelled to London in late January for specialized ankle injections, with the expectation that he could resume light running after three weeks. However, the injections failed to alleviate the issue, leading to the necessity of surgery. The BCCI source, speaking anonymously, stated that Shami will undergo surgery in the UK soon, effectively ruling him out of contention for the IPL.

Despite his injury, Shami played a pivotal role in India’s successful World Cup campaign, securing 24 wickets. He persevered through discomfort, particularly during landings, yet maintained high-performance levels throughout the tournament.

With 229 Test, 195 ODI, and 24 T20 wickets under his belt, Shami’s absence raises concerns about the effectiveness of his rehabilitation managed by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). It’s now improbable for Shami to return before India’s home Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand scheduled for October and November, respectively. His focus may shift towards the crucial away series against Australia.

Critics suggest that the conservative approach adopted by the NCA regarding Shami’s injury may have backfired. The source emphasized that an earlier decision for surgery, instead of relying solely on rest and injections, could have better served Shami’s recovery and ensured his availability for the Australian tour.

Shami, recently honoured with the Arjuna Award, remains a significant asset for the Indian team, especially in crucial overseas contests like the upcoming series against Australia.