Senior pacer Mohammed Shami's absence from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) comes as a significant setback due to a left ankle injury, a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed PTI. Shami, aged 33, who is currently not involved in the ongoing Test series against England, last featured for India during the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November. Despite undergoing special ankle injections in London toward the end of January, the injury persists, necessitating surgery.
According to the BCCI source, Shami was advised that after three weeks, he could commence light running. However, the injections failed to yield the desired result, leaving surgery as the sole option. Consequently, Shami is expected to travel to the UK for the procedure. The IPL now appears to be out of the question for the veteran fast bowler.
Renowned for his prowess on the field, Shami played a pivotal role in India's remarkable World Cup campaign, clinching 24 wickets. Despite grappling with landing issues due to his injury, Shami showcased remarkable resilience, refusing to let it impede his performance.
With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Shami boasts an impressive record with 229 Test wickets, 195 ODI wickets, and 24 T20 wickets. However, his absence raises concerns about the effectiveness of the injury rehabilitation management program devised by the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
It appears highly improbable that Shami will make a comeback before India's Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand scheduled for October and November, respectively. However, he may set his sights on returning for the high-stakes away series against Australia.
Critics point out that the conservative approach adopted by the NCA may have backfired in Shami's case. Some suggest that opting for surgery immediately, instead of relying solely on injections and rest, could have been more beneficial in the long run. Shami's absence is considered a significant loss for the Indian team, especially with crucial series on the horizon, underscoring the importance of effective injury management strategies in professional sports.
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