'Just focus on physical fitness' - Sanjay Manjrekar's advice to selectors for fast-tracking Mohammed Shami's India comeback

India are without star pacer Mohammed Shami for the three Tests against New Zealand, starting October 16. Star pacer and vice captain Jasprit Bumrah will be accompanied by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep in Shami's unavailability.

It is worth mentioning that Shami was reported to be playing the red-ball series against the BlackCaps, which would have marked his comeback to professional cricket after a hiatus of almost 11 months. However, a swollen knee issue during the last stage of recovery led to an unfortunate delay in the pacer's return, as confirmed by India captain Rohit Sharma.

There's another chance that Shami might return for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, for a long five-match series against Australia, and cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar believes that if the pacer is fit enough, he must travel with the team down under.

“I would say just focus on physical fitness. There is no need to focus on match fitness. If he is physically fit and if he thinks he can bowl 30 overs per inning, then straight away take Shami along. If you look at his performance, he doesn't physically put much effort into it. His magic is in his final bowling action. His wrist is very tight. So, there are a very few bowlers like him. They (bowlers like Shami) even trouble top class batters with 70% fitness. That's exactly how he is. If he doesn't bowl at home, (and ) then if he passes the fitness test, he should in the team. Not just the squad, but the Playing XI,” Manjrekar said in an exclusive interaction with CricTracker.

Also Check: [Exclusive] Even if Mohammed Shami doesn't play all matches of Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he must be in squad: Sanjay Bangar

Chinnaswamy tie under rain threats

In other news, India's first Test against New Zealand is under heavy influence of rain interruption, and there is a high possibility of the entire play not being played due to thunderstorms. The host city of Bengaluru has been receiving incessant rains, a day ahead of the all-important fixture.

Check Here: Explained: How the SubAir facility at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru works? All you need to know about drainage system at IND vs NZ 1st Test venue

However, even if there is a play interruption or a delayed start due to wet outfield, the resumption of play won't be much due to the excellent SubAir drainage facility at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, operated by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).