Mohammed Shami Sidelined for Two-Test Series Due to Fitness Approval Denial
Mohammed Shami won’t play in the two Tests because the BCCI Medical Team hasn’t approved his fitness.
India’s top bowler in the recent ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami, won’t be playing in the two-Test series against South Africa starting on December 26. The BCCI Medical Team hasn’t approved Shami’s fitness, as mentioned in a press release from the Indian cricket governing body. Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the World Cup with 24 wickets, even though he didn’t play in the first four matches.
More news about India’s tour in South Africa: Following a 1-1 draw in the T20I series against South Africa, the teams are set for a three-match ODI series. The coaching staff for the ODI team will include Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, Rajib Datta as the bowling coach, and Ajay Ratra as the fielding coach, all from India A.
The head coach of Team India (Senior Men), Rahul Dravid, along with batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T. Dilip, will join the Test squad. They will guide and supervise the team’s preparations for the inter-squad game and the upcoming Test series.
Following the first ODI in Johannesburg on December 17th, Shreyas Iyer will join the Test squad to get ready for the Test series. He won’t be playing in the second and third ODIs but will participate in the inter-squad game.
Deepak Chahar won’t be able to participate in the upcoming ODI series due to a family medical emergency. He has informed the BCCI about his unavailability. In his place, Mr. Akash Deep has been named as the replacement by the Men’s Selection Committee.
India’s updated ODI squad
KL Rahul (Captain and wicketkeeper), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Akash Deep.
In a recent talk, Shami shared details about his diet, which helps him stay fit. He even joked about stories suggesting his love for biryani. Shami mentioned that he used to be less disciplined before his injury, but now he’s more careful. He follows a specific diet and workout plan to maintain his fitness.
“My eating habits are unique. I have one meal a day, and I prefer non-vegetarian food because I don’t rely on supplements or similar things. I’ve gained a bit of notoriety for my love of biryani. I used to enjoy it because I didn’t have a strict routine before. I wasn’t aware of proper training and what’s good or bad for you. So, I used to indulge quite a bit. However, after my injury, I’ve adopted a strict diet, created my routine, and gained a better understanding of fitness. If you compare my habits from before and now, you’ll see a significant difference,” he shared with Aaj Tak.
