Mohammed Shami shuts down rumours that he is out of contention for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami denies rumors about being dropped from Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Image X)

It's been nearly a year that Mohammed Shami has been out of action due to an ankle injury. He then underwent surgery in London in February earlier this year. Since his setback, he has missed IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup 2024 while undergoing his recovery process. Recently, it was revealed that Shami is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where he has resumed bowling in the nets. Although there’s no official confirmation yet, reports suggest he could be in contention for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand. However, his prolonged absence has sparked speculation about his participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year.

Multiple media outlets have reported that he might miss the series due to a ‘swollen knee problem’. Yesterday, Shami tweeted to strongly refute the rumours circulating about his exclusion from the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series.

Expressing his frustration, he took to X and wrote, “Why these type of baseless rumors? I'm working hard and trying my level best to recover. Neither the BCCI nor me have mentioned that I am out of the Border Gavaskar series. I request the public to stop paying attention to such news from unofficial sources. Please stop and don't spread such fake fake fake & fake news, especially without my statement."

Why these type of baseless rumors? I'm working hard and trying my level best to recover. Neither the BCCI nor me have mentioned that I am out of the Border Gavaskar series. I request the public to stop paying attention to such news from unofficial sources. Please stop and dont pic.twitter.com/0OgL1K2iKS
(@MdShami11) October 2, 2024

For a moment, imagine being in Shami’s position. Having not played for India for nearly a year and still working hard to return to the team, only to open your phone and see rumours circulating about you, which can be disheartening. Shami is an emotional individual. A few years ago, he admitted to having suicidal thoughts. Having already faced significant challenges in both his personal and professional life, Shami's anger and frustration were expressed in that tweet yesterday. This isn't the first time he has asked people not to believe in rumours, and it likely won’t be the last.

Since Shami is one of India’s frontline pacers, the timeline for his comeback was always bound to be a topic of discussion in the media. With no update on his fitness from the BCCI or the player himself, rumours were inevitable, given how significant a player Shami is and how crucial he will be to India’s chances of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

As things stand, Shami is at the NCA working on his recovery. He is under the supervision of the BCCI’s medical team and trainers, who are closely monitoring his progress. Once the BCCI receives an update from the NCA, they are likely to make it public when Shami will make his much-anticipated return. Only time will tell when he will be back.