In a significant setback for Indian cricket, the star-injured duo of Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav, originally excluded from the T20I squad against Afghanistan, will continue to be sidelined. Mohammed Shami, a veteran pacer, has been recovering from an ankle injury since the World Cup final, causing him to miss the South Africa tour. Despite being named in India’s Test squad against Proteas, his inclusion was contingent on fitness, and he was withdrawn a week before the Boxing Day Test in Centurion, as clearance from the BCCI’s medical team was not obtained.
The latest update on Mohammed Shami indicates that the pacer, heading to the NCA, has not resumed bowling yet. It is highly probable that he won’t be fit for the initial two Tests against England scheduled for January 25 in Hyderabad and February 2 in Vizag. A source mentioned, “Shami hasn’t initiated his bowling routine; he needs to go to the NCA to demonstrate his fitness. His participation in the first two Tests against England seems doubtful.”
While the absence of Mohammed Shami had a significant impact during the South Africa Tests, his non-participation in the upcoming home series against England may have a comparatively lesser impact. India keenly felt Shami’s absence in Centurion, where they suffered an innings defeat. Facing South Africa’s formidable batting lineup, Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna struggled. The presence of Shami alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj could have been advantageous. However, considering India’s likely bowling strategy of three spinners and two pacers, the void left by Shami might be mitigated to some extent.
India’s top T20 batsman, Suryakumar Yadav, faces another setback after twisting his ankle during the 3rd T20I against South Africa. Currently the world’s No. 1-ranked T20I batter, Surya has been sidelined and is now dealing with the need for hernia surgery, a pre-existing condition. This dual injury blow extends his expected recovery time to around two months before he can fully resume training. A source mentioned, “Yadav’s recovery will take longer than anticipated. Following his hernia operation, it might be eight to nine weeks before he can commence training. The hope is for him to regain fitness in time for the IPL.”
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Despite earlier optimism about Suryakumar Yadav’s IPL 2024 participation, conflicting reports now suggest he might miss the initial part of Mumbai Indians’ season due to a sports hernia. The injury update has already ruled him out of the Ranji Trophy, and Surya is set to undergo surgery, likely in Germany. The uncertainty surrounding his IPL involvement is crucial, given his pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup plans. The Times of India report indicates that Surya, diagnosed with sports hernia, will prioritize a proper recovery with the T20 World Cup in June in mind. A sports hernia, not a true hernia, is associated with tears or strains in the groin or lower abdomen, commonly observed in physically demanding sports.