Mohammed Shami: Rest, recovery and return of veteran pacer has been handled badly by BCCI

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The hype and hoopla over Mohammed Shami had reached a crescendo. Cameras were panning on him and everything was being described as perfect. His comeback for the BGT Series was projected as huge, for he had started bowling in India.

Pray, is bowling at nets and a few overs in the SMAT event, a 20-over format, the best way to judge Shami's fitness? He exerted, and played Ranji Trophy matches as well. Soon, reports trickled in, Shami's knee was swelling up. And when skipper Rohit Sharma mentioned this in Australia a few weeks ago, critics were ready to slam him and coach Gautam Gambhir.

On Monday, the NCA, or what has been rechristened as the Centre for Excellence in Bengaluru came up with an update. "The BCCI medical team has been working closely with the Indian fast bowler on his recovery and rehabilitation after his right heel surgery. Shami has completely recovered from this heel problem," said the statement.

Great, Mohammed Shami right heel recovered, but how did the left knee swelling begin? "His left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload," said the statement further.

So, the BCCI medical team has let the cat out of the bag. Poor Shami is unfit, he can kiss the BGT Series goodbye. Worse, to be dealing with more trauma means he had never recovered fully. For the record, his surgery, post-injury at the ICC World Cup in 2023 took place this year.

If his rehab and strengthening, in India, was top-class, he would not have faced this breakdown. Bowling 43 overs in the Ranji Trophy is no big deal. Compare this with how many overs Jasprit Bumrah has bowled in the three Tests. And, he will be ready to bowl more as well in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne from December 26 and then in Sydney.

The NCA or the Centre for Excellence, has not dealt with Shami in the best way. It is clear he was never a 100 per cent fit. All those who accused Rohit Sharma and Gambhir of bias stand exposed now. Sadly for Mohammed Shami, he is out in the cold. Is the BCCI going to take care of him or should Shami trust them is a big question which begs and answer. Shami needs to get fit fast for the 2025 IPL, where he has a deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

People may say the BCCI looks after its cricketers well. Sure, they look after finances well. But the BCCI medical experts are not the best in the world. MyKhel has learnt the strength and conditioning experts are not at par with the best in the world. Maybe, Mohammed Shami will now have to take things into his own hands and find the right people to help him get a 100 per cent fit.

If his right Achilles has healed, how did the left knee bust up? Strengthening is a complete process and the whole lower body would have been worked on and he would have become super fit. There is something amiss, who messed it up, needs an answer. Bowling 43 overs is not overload at all. In India, fast bowlers have to toil hard, on conditions which are tough. Shami cannot break down in 43 overs, stop lying.

Yes, an impression was made out minus Mohammed Shami India would be in dire straits in Australia. Sadly, the bowler himself is left in the lurch. Who will ensure Shami is back to full fitness and can peak in the IPL? There is a whole bunch which now is writing Shami 'is over' as far as his India career is concerned. He does not need sympathy, please. Back him to do well in the IPL and the world can change again.