India’s top bowler from the recent ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami, won’t play in the two-Test series against South Africa starting on December 26 as shared by the BCCI on Saturday. He couldn’t recover from the injury he got during the ODI World Cup earlier this year.
Shami injured his ankle after the ODI World Cup, where he was the top wicket-taker with 24 wickets. He was waiting for fitness clearance, which has not been approved by the BCCI Medical Team, as stated in a press release. Despite missing the first four matches, Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the Cricket World Cup, securing 24 wickets. In a statement, the BCCI announced that Mohammed Shami won’t be playing in the two Tests as his fitness hasn’t been approved by the BCCI Medical Team.
After drawing the T20I series 1-1 against South Africa, India is set to play a three-match ODI series. The ODI team will be under the guidance of India A’s coaching staff, which includes Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, Rajib Datta as the bowling coach, and Ajay Ratra as the fielding coach.
Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian team, along with batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T. Dilip, will join the Test squad to oversee their preparations for the inter-squad game and the upcoming Test series.
After the first ODI in Johannesburg on December 17, Shreyas Iyer will join the Test squad for preparation. He won’t be available for the second and third ODIs but will participate in the inter-squad game. Meanwhile, Deepak Chahar informed the BCCI of his unavailability for the upcoming ODI series due to a family medical emergency. Akash Deep has been named as his replacement.
The updated India ODI squad includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Akash Deep.
In a recent conversation, Shami shared his diet, highlighting the changes made after his injury for better fitness. He humorously mentioned the stories about his love for biryani and how, previously, he didn’t follow a strict routine. Now, post-injury, he is more careful, maintaining a set diet and workout plan.
