Former cricketers Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have criticized the management of Mohammed Shami’s injury, suggesting that his inclusion could have significantly altered the outcome of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India’s decade-long dominance in the series ended with a 1-3 loss to Australia, culminating in a six-wicket defeat in Sydney.
Shami, who sustained an ankle injury earlier, made a strong comeback in domestic cricket, performing impressively in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, he was officially ruled out of the Test series after the BCCI cited a knee swelling.
Speaking on The ICC Review, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication regarding Shami’s recovery. “Where is he when it comes to recovery? He’s been sitting in the NCA for I don’t know how long. Why can’t proper communication come out on where he stands?” Shastri questioned.
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Shastri emphasized that Shami’s experience could have been a game-changer, particularly in the Melbourne and Sydney Tests. “A player of his ability, I would have brought him to Australia. Even if he wasn’t ready to play immediately, he should have been part of the squad for rehabilitation with the best physios and advice available,” he added.
Australian legend Ricky Ponting echoed these sentiments, stating that Shami’s presence, even in a limited capacity, could have bolstered India’s pace attack. “If Shami, Bumrah, and Siraj were in their starting team, I think things could have been completely different here in Australia,” Ponting said.
India’s bowling attack struggled with injuries throughout the series, with Jasprit Bumrah unable to bowl in the second innings of the Sydney Test due to fitness issues. Shastri noted that Shami’s presence could have provided much-needed support. “For all you know, he might have raised the bar as well. You just needed that experience and support,” he said.
Ponting highlighted the Australian team’s reliance on Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, comparing it to what Shami could have offered India. “Even if he wasn’t fully fit and had to bowl fewer overs, Shami could have been the difference,” Ponting remarked.
Shami is currently competing in domestic one-dayers for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His performance raises questions about whether he will be included in the squad for the upcoming England home series and the ICC Champions Trophy in February.
As India reflects on their series loss, Shami’s absence continues to be a topic of debate, with experts pointing to his potential impact on the team’s fortunes Down Under.
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