(Cricket More) Mohammed Shami, the India fast bowler, is unlikely to start for the Gujarat Titans in the 2024 Indian Premier League. Shami is expected to have ankle surgery, maybe right before the competition, according to sources, which would keep him out of much, if not all, of it. This year’s IPL will take place from March 22 to May 26.

Shami has not played any cricket since November 19, when Australia defeated India in the World Cup final. Despite taking care of his ankle the entire event, he ended up taking the most wickets with 24 strikes.

The Titans would enter the upcoming season without two vital players if he is sidelined for an extended period of time. Hardik Pandya has already joined the Mumbai Indians. With 20 wickets in 16 matches during their championship-winning 2022 campaign, Shami was their top wicket-taker. In 17 matches the previous year, he took the most overall.

During the World Cup and even after the competition, Shami continued to receive injections for his ankle. Shami was anticipated to return for the two-match Test series even though he was not included in India’s white-ball squads for the subsequent trip of South Africa.

However, the BCCI stated on December 16 that Shami’s “participation” in the South Africa Test series had been “subject to fitness” and that he “had not been approved” by the BCCI medical department, meaning he was ruled out of contention. This was the sole medical update issued on the senior fast bowler.

Shami stated at the beginning of January that he was experiencing “stiffness” in his ankle, but he hoped to be fit for selection for the home Tests against England. “My recovery is proceeding according to plan, and the medical professionals at NCA are pleased with my development. My ankle is a little stiff, but not at all uncomfortable. I have started my preparation, and I think the England series will allow me to make a return.”

Shami, though, was left out of both India’s lineups for the first two Test matches against England and most recently for the remaining three Test matches of the series.

After attending the BCCI awards in Hyderabad on January 22, Shami is said to have flown abroad to see doctors concerning his ankle. It is reported that before making a decision on the topic, he would be seeing a surgeon the next week.

Shami has been under observation by the BCCI’s medical team, but he has not been to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where contracted players typically receive their rehabilitation. Whether Shami or the BCCI had updated the Titans on his recuperation schedule was unknown. The Titans and BCCI have not lately released any official announcements regarding him.

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