'It's high time NCA talks': Rohit Sharma gives fresh verdict on Mohammed Shami conundrum

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India captain Rohit Sharma has clarified their stance on Mohammed Shami's potential involvement in the Test series against Australia.

The 34-year-old pacer has been sidelined from cricket since the ODI World Cup final in November 2023 due to a series of injuries. Initially recovering from ankle surgery, Shami's return was further delayed by unexpected swelling in his knee just ahead of a planned comeback against New Zealand.

While his recovery has been slower than anticipated, India's captain Rohit Sharma has assured that the door remains open for Shami's return once he regains full fitness. Rohit has also emphasized that Shami's readiness will be determined by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and expressed the team's willingness to welcome him back when he is fit to compete.

"It's high time somebody from NCA talks about him. Really, that's our National Cricket Academy where he is doing his rehab. Those guys are the ones who need to come up and give us some kind of update," Rohit said during the post-match press conference after the 3rd Test against Australia in Brisbane, when he was asked if the India pacer will be flying to Australia for the last two Tests.

The India captain also admitted Shami's recurring knee issue and confirmed they shall not take any risk with the Bengal pacer's injury.

"I understand he's playing a lot of cricket back home. But there have been some complaints about his knee as well. So, the last thing you want is the player coming here and then pulling out in the middle of the game. You know what happens when that kind of thing happens. "So, there's no way we want to take that chance. Unless we are not 100%, 200% sure, we are not going to take any risk," Rohit added.

Meanwhile, a BCCI official recently revealed that Shami is focusing on domestic cricket to rebuild his match fitness, as he aims to handle longer spells and greater workloads. After playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shami has been included in the squad for the Ranji Trophy. The pace star will be aiming to showcase his might in Bengal's colours as they look to win the 50-over tournament.