Senior Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been dealt a blow as he has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a left ankle injury. The 33-year-old speedster, who is not currently part of the ongoing Test series against England, will undergo surgery for the injury in the UK.
Shami’s last appearance for India was in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November, and this setback further prolongs his absence from competitive cricket. With 229 Test wickets, 195 ODI wickets, and 24 T20I wickets under his belt, Shami’s absence will be felt keenly by fans and his team alike.
The timing of this injury raises questions about the effectiveness of the injury rehabilitation management program outlined by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for Shami. This setback could prompt a reevaluation of the strategies employed for the recovery and maintenance of players’ fitness.
Additionally, Shami’s absence will force his IPL franchise to reassess their bowling options and potentially make adjustments to their squad ahead of the tournament. His experience and skill on the field will undoubtedly be missed, highlighting the impact of injuries on both individual careers and team dynamics in the world of professional cricket.