IPL 2024: Mohammed Shami ruled out of upcoming season

Star pacer Mohammed Shami, who represents Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League, has received a massive setback, as the cricketer is set to miss the 2024 edition of the tournament. Ahead of the mega event, this comes as a huge blow to the Shubman Gill-led franchise, as Shami will be in the United Kingdom (UK) for undergoing a surgery on his left ankle.

The recent Arjuna awardee last featured in a professional outing in the ODI World Cup final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Notably, the seamer's last outing in the IPL was also at the same venue against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). On both the occasions, Shami's team ended up on the losing side, but he had been a vital cog and showed great form in the said tournaments.

The 33-year-old cricketer has been sidelined due to the effects of the ankle injury, which has kept him out of action since the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia in November. Despite efforts to treat the injury with special injections in London, it has been ineffective, leaving surgery as the only viable option for recovery.

Shami's surgery scheduled in March

According to The Times of India, a senior Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official highlighted the unsuccessful nature of the treatment, stating, “Shami was in London in last week of January to take special ankle injections, and he was told that after three weeks, he can start light running and take it from thereon.”

“But the injection hasn't worked, and now the only option left is surgery. He will shortly leave for the UK for surgery. IPL seems out of the question,” he added.

Shami's absence raises concerns about the management of his injury rehabilitation program, particularly regarding the approach taken by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Experts have suggested that a more decisive action, such as opting for surgery earlier, could have potentially accelerated the time of his return to the field.

“Shami should have gone directly for surgery and that should have been NCA's call. Just two months of rest and injections wouldn't have worked well, and that's what has happened. He is an asset and the Indian team would need him in Australia,” the source said.

The Purple Cap holder from the previous season continued his form throughout the year and played a crucial role in India's impressive World Cup campaign, picking 24 wickets despite battling through pain.

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With the UP-born's recovery timeline uncertain, it is unlikely that he will be available for India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand in October and November. However, there remains hope for his participation in the anticipated away series against Australia, provided his rehabilitation progresses as planned.

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