‘Just focus on physical fitness’ – Sanjay Manjrekar advises selectors to fast-track Mohammed Shami’s India return

For the three Test matches against New Zealand beginning on October 16, India will be without their standout bowler Mohammed Shami. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep will accompany star bowler and vice captain Jasprit Bumrah when Shami is unable to play.

It is important to note that Shami was rumored to be participating in the Red-ball series versus the BlackCaps, which would have coincided with his return to professional cricket following a nearly 11-month break. But the pacer’s return was regrettably delayed due to a swelling knee problem during the last stages of recuperation, as India captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged. Shami could also return for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, a lengthy five-match series against Australia.

According to cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, if the bowler is healthy enough, he needs to go with the team to Australia.

“I would advise concentrating solely on physical fitness. It is not necessary to concentrate on match fitness. Take Shami with you right away if he is physically capable and believes he can bowl 30 overs every inning. His performance doesn’t show that he puts a lot of physical effort into it. In his final bowling motion, he works his magic. His wrist is extremely constricted.

Thus, he is one of the rare bowlers. With 70% fitness, they (bowlers like Shami) may even pose a threat to elite hitters. That is precisely who he is. He should be in the team if he passes the fitness test, even if he doesn’t bowl at home. “Not just the team, but the starting lineup,” Manjrekar stated in a special interview.

Rain threats for Chinnaswamy tie

In other news, India’s first Test match against New Zealand is heavily impacted by weather delays, and there’s a good chance that thunderstorms will prevent the full match from taking place. One day before the crucial match, the host city of Bengaluru has been bombarded with rain.

Also Read: IND vs NZ 2024: Shubman Gill likely to miss Bengaluru Test, Sarfaraz Khan to replace

However, the outstanding SubAir drainage equipment at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, run by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), ensures that play will resume quickly even if there is a delay in play or a play interruption owing to a damp outfield.