Reports: Mohammed Shami ruled out of Bangladesh ODIs, doubtful for Tests

India’s pacer and a senior pro in the team Mohammed Shami has been reportedly ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh after sustaining an injury to his hand. If the recovery isn’t timely, he might as well miss out on the two-match Test series that is scheduled after the three white-ball games. The first match of the ODI series is scheduled to be played on December 4, Sunday.

The 32-year-old senior pacer is a crucial part of the Indian ODI squad, especially at a point where the team is preparing for the ODI World Cup which is scheduled next year in India. Though there are quite a few pace-bowling options in the white-ball squad, it will be a big challenge for India going into the Test series as the Men in Blue need to win every Test match moving forward, so as to find themselves a spot in the World Test Championship finals.

“Mohammed Shami has suffered a hand injury that he sustained after resuming training post the T20 World Cup in Australia. He has been asked to report at the NCA and has not traveled with the team on December 1,” a senior BCCI source in the know of the matter, was quoted as saying by The Hindu, on conditions of anonymity.

“Shami's absence from three ODI games is definitely a factor but a bigger worry is his likely absence from Tests where he is supposed to spearhead the attack in Jasprit Bumrah's absence,” the source added.

The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid would be hoping for Shami to recover on time and get back into the game, especially for the Test matches. With Jasprit Bumrah being out of the international setup due to his injury, and Ravindra Jadeja being ruled out, India cannot afford to keep one more player out of the game.

In the games being held in Bangladesh, the hosts will have the home advantage and India will need Shami’s red-ball experience to tackle the strong opposition. In just 60 Test matches, Shami has picked up 216 wickets which speaks volumes about his ability with the ball.