Mohammed Shami Injury: Star Pacer Limps Off During India’s First Practice Session

Star pacer Mohammed Shami is poised to make his much-anticipated return to the Indian cricket team. The 34-year-old, who was the leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023, last played for India on November 19, 2023. Shami missed the entire 2024 season due to an ankle injury but successfully marked his comeback to domestic cricket for Bengal in November 2024. This impressive return earned him a spot in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against England.

Shami attended India’s first practice session at Eden Gardens on Sunday, January 19, and bowled at full pace for over an hour, showing promising signs of form. However, a report by PTI noted that the veteran pacer appeared slightly uncomfortable at one point and limped back to the dressing room. Shortly after, Shami returned to the field, interacting with his Bengal teammates while managing his heavily strapped left knee.

Under the close supervision of bowling coach Morne Morkel, Shami began the session with light warm-ups and short strides before bowling consistently for nearly an