Shami wants to return fully fit, throws hints at playing domestic cricket

India’s premium fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has not featured in competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup final in 2023, threw hints that he is getting back to his best but also cautioned the fans that he will not be returning to competitive cricket of any sorts until and unless he is fully fit. 

“I don’t want to come back with any doubt in my mind. The stronger I become, the better for me. The chances of injury will be less,” Shami was quoted as saying by Sportstar. 

The Uttar Pradesh-born pacer, who plays domestic cricket for Bengal, further said that it doesn’t matter which opposition he makes his comeback against, he just wants to make sure that he is completely fit to play against them. 

“It’s important to be completely fit, then it does not matter whether I return against Bangladesh, New Zealand or Australia.”

“I have started bowling, but I do not want to have any doubt in my mind or any feeling of discomfort. Until I feel 100 per cent fit and feel free from every aspect, I do not want (to return) no matter which format I play or which team I play against,” the 34-year-old added, 

If Shami does not get fit by the time of the New Zealand series, he said that he will play domestic cricket, if need be, to prove his fitness ahead of the Indian cricket team’s tour of Australia in November this year. 

“If I have to play domestic, I will even play that,” said the speedster with 332 wickets in 88 first-class matches.

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