The Indian cricket team is hoping through a lot of changes. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced retirement from the T20I format, and Rahul Dravid’ tenure as Head Coach ended. Gautam Gambhir has been selected by the BCCI to replace Dravid. However, some old players are returning to the team. As the Indian bowler recovers from his injury, here’s Paras Mhambrey’s big question on Mohammed Shami’s comeback.
Recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Mohammed Shami was the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 24 scalps. He is set to return for the India-Bangladesh series before the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Paras Mhambrey’s big question on Mohammed Shami’s comeback
33-year-old Mohammed Shami is set to return to the team in the India vs Bangladesh series. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey advised the support staff to discuss Shami’s plans with him.
The ex Indian coach emphasized that since Mohammed Shami is no longer in his early career, the support staff should manage his workload strategically for the upcoming series to ensure his effectiveness and longevity.
“The staff should talk to Shami and find out what he wants to do. He’s no longer young, so where does he fit in and how many more years does he look to play? How do we use him smartly? I’m sure whoever comes with Gauti will find out how to get the best of Shami,” Mhambrey questioned Shami’s comeback in an interview with The Telegraph.
“If tests are the focus now..” Mhambrey’s advice to India coaches
It’s still not clear which format Mohammed Shami will want to focus more on. Considering his skillset and age group, it’s highly likely that Shami will be reliable in Test matches.
Paras Mhambrey advised the new Indian coaches to let Shami play a series or two before he started with test cricket. Considering his long break due to an ankle injury he incurred in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami also needs proper conditioning.
“If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia. However, what Shami wants and what his body says is paramount. But yes, some cricket is needed before the Australia tour as he has had a long break,” he added.
He also mentioned that due to Shami’s age, the pacer needs to be managed differently. The Board should recognize and value Shami’s contributions accordingly.
“Individual fitness varies and can’t be of the same level. So, the players have to be treated differently. You can’t compare a Shami with some youngster who has just come in.” Mhambrey said.
“You have to understand what the value of Shami is. Do you need Shami to do the Yo-Yo or bowl those many balls in a Test and win India the game?” He further questioned.
Recently Shami was seen without crutches for the first time since his injury. The ODI World Cup 2023 star bowler congratulated Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on T20 World Cup 2024 win and their retirement.
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