Image: Shami is fit, but his selection for the T20I series will be decided by Yadav and Gambhir / © India Today
India’s star bowler, Mohammed Shami, is fit and available for selection, according to newly appointed batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Despite being selected for India’s ongoing T20I series against England, Shami has not yet played in the first two matches. The 34-year-old pacer has faced fitness challenges in recent months, including a knee issue and right heel surgery last year. However, Kotak confirmed that Shami’s fitness is not a concern moving forward.
Shami’s inclusion in the upcoming matches will be decided by India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir, who are considering the team’s overall plans, including preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Kotak emphasized that Shami’s fitness is not an issue, but his selection depends on the strategy for managing his workload in upcoming fixtures. He said:
Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer. There is definitely a plan (for Shami) looking at coming matches as well as One-Dayers. So, that is something Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call on. But (his) fitness, definitely is not a problem, depending on how they are planning to build his load.
Additionally, Kotak expressed his excitement about working with senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been struggling with form. He aims to help them improve their game by offering small improvements, as well as learning from their experience.