For IND vs AUS Test series, Aakash Chopra argues Mohammed Shami to not be rushed
Mohammed Shami is edging closer to a return to the India cricket team after a long absence. He recently played for Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, taking 7 wickets. Now, Shami might be in line for a spot in the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, former cricketer Aakash Chopra advises caution, suggesting Shami is still “undercooked” and not fully fit.
Chopra emphasized that while Shami’s performance was promising, rushing him back into Test cricket after almost a year of inactivity may be unwise. Pushing an under-prepared player could lead to further injury. He noted that Shami has played just one match after a long break, and thrusting him into a Test match could backfire, especially if he breaks down or underperforms.
Chopra also highlighted the unique challenges of playing in Australia, where the soft grounds can increase the risk of injury recurrence. Shami, who last played in the ODI World Cup 2023 and then underwent ankle surgery, should be given more time to regain full fitness. “We want Shami back, but not at the cost of his health,” Chopra concluded.