BAN vs IND Test: Mohammed Shami likely to remain unavailable for Test Series

BAN vs IND Test: Injury spate continues to haunt the Indian Cricket team as their prolific pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh that is scheduled to start on December 14 at Chattogram. Shami is currently battling a right-shoulder strain and has failed to recover within a stipulated period.

Shami last featured for India at the T-20 World Cup in Australia but failed to display any remarkable performance. He was previously named in the frontline squad for the 3-match ODI series against Bangladesh but he remained unavailable for selection after which emerging Jammu & Kashmir paceman Umran Malik replaced the senior pacer.

India’s bowling unit had an extensive threat of injuries looming over the squad for the whole year. The two pillars of the bowling attack Bumrah and Shami have continuously remained in and out of the squad throughout the year. Shami is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore where the medical team will prepare a thorough recovery and rehabilitation program for the Gujarat Titans bowler.

BAN vs IND Test: Mukesh Kumar to step in as Mohammed Shami Replacement

The BCCI will likely not rush Mohammed Shami for the Bangladesh Test series as an India A squad is already in Bangladesh for a shadow unofficial Test tour. The selection committee will rope in a performing pacer from the squad facing Bangladesh A. Young pacer Mukesh Kumar stands as a front-runner in the contention to replace Shami.

Mukesh Kumar is a talented and terrific paceman who had a stunning domestic season & has displayed a splendid performance for India A team in their unofficial shadow Test series against Bangladesh A. On the other side, BCCI has also pitched in uncapped Uttar Pradesh left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar as a replacement for injured Ravindra Jadeja.

India’s bowling attack will be led by Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj. Shardul Thakur will be the backup pacer whereas Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav will be in charge of the spin department.

Rohit Sharma ruled out of Test Series, Abhimanyu Easwaran likely to replace the Captain

Sources also indicate that skipper Rohit Sharma might also miss the test series. Sharma dislocated his thumb while fielding in the second ODI against Bangladesh. However, the courageous batsman came in to bat with a heavy bandage and smashed a spirited knock of 51 runs of 28 balls to take India closer to a victory but failed in his efforts as the side lost by 5 runs. Sharma’s efforts were highly praised by the fans and critics.

Rohit Sharma will likely be replaced by India A skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran who is having a brilliant time in the unofficial series as he smashed a gracious knock of 173 runs in the first test. KL Rahul will lead India in absence of Sharma whereas Gill will likely open the innings alongside the skipper.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Rahul Dravid has already announced that Rohit Sharma alongside pacemen Deepak Chahar and Kuldeep Sen will miss the third ODI against Bangladesh.