Mohammed Shami, the star India speedster, has been away from any cricketing action since the 2023 ODI World Cup owing to an ankle injury. He underwent an ankle surgery earlier this year and has been recovering since then. As Team India are set to begin an action-packed cricket season, starting with the Bangladesh series at home, many expected that Shami might be seen making a cricket return in the series. However, he has expressed that he doesn’t want to rush things and focus on achieving full fitness first.


At the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) annual awards ceremony, where he was honoured for his outstanding performances, Shami spoke about his goal to be in peak condition before making his return to the field.


"Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time). However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I've to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort," Shami told reporters as quoted by PTI.


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'I Won't Take Any Chances Until I Am 100% Fit': Mohammed Shami


Shami said the better he is, in terms of fitness, while making his cricket return, the better it will be for him, be it the Tests against Bangladesh, New Zealand or Australia. He also emphasised that if he needs to enter the domestic arena before making his comeback to test his fitness, he will. 


"The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don't want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the Australia series. I've already started bowling, but I won't take any chances until I am 100% fit. If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will. What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format," PTI quoted Shami as saying further.


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Shami Hails India As Favourites For Border-Gavaskar Trophy


When asked about the Border-Gavaskar trophy, Shami said India are the clear favourites and it is Australia who should be worrying.


Asked about the much-anticipated series, Shami said, "Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (We are the favourites, they should be worried)."