As the anticipation builds for the upcoming T20I series against England, the spotlight has firmly settled on Mohammed Shami during India's first training session in Kolkata. This session, taking place ahead of the series opener set for January 22, marks a significant moment for Shami, who has not participated in international cricket since the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Having undergone ankle surgery previously, Shami has faced ongoing challenges with his fitness, but there are hopeful signs of recovery.
During the session, Shami bowled for over an hour with a knee brace, demonstrating his commitment to regaining match fitness. The meticulous oversight of bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an extra layer of attention to Shami’s performance, reflecting the importance of his physical readiness for the matches ahead. Although Shami was omitted from the Border-Gavaskar Test series due to lingering swelling in his knee, his current efforts suggest that he is moving closer to peak condition.
The training regimen began with Shami marking his run-up and targeting specific areas on the pitch to fine-tune his delivery. He warmed up with a shortened approach for more than 20 minutes, gradually transitioning to a full run-up while bowling to openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma in the practice nets. This structured training session also included vital fielding drills focused on both short- and long-range catching exercises, which were overseen by fielding coach T Dilip and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Shami concluded his day with an impressive ten-minute spell where he was able to bowl at a near-full intensity.
Shami's fitness has remained a prominent concern for the Indian team for over a year, but his recent selection for the T20Is and ODIs against England is a clear indication of confidence from the selectors in his abilities as he prepares for the significant Champions Trophy commencing on February 19 in Karachi. India will launch their campaign the following day against Bangladesh in Dubai.
Looking ahead, Shami is poised to spearhead the seam attack during the five-match T20I series and the subsequent three ODIs. The return of Jasprit Bumrah, who is also focusing on his fitness, is anticipated, although he is likely to make his reappearance only during the third ODI on February 12. The tactical composition of the bowling lineup will benefit from the experience and skill that both Shami and Bumrah bring to the table.
During the training session, Shami was one of only two fast bowlers from the squad present, alongside Harshit Rana. Arshdeep Singh, however, was not part of Sunday's activities. The training format also saw Rana and Hardik Pandya engaging actively in both batting and bowling. Pandya showcased his power-hitting skills alongside teammates Rinku Singh and Dhruv Jurel, while Singh and Tilak Varma faced the spin bowling of Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Washington Sundar, providing opportunities for the spin bowlers to refine their craft.
Assisting the batting unit during training was Sitanshu Kotak, the newly appointed batting coach, who likely provided valuable insights and strategies to enhance performance. The combined efforts of coaches and players signify a concerted approach to skill enhancement and preparation ahead of a series that will be crucial for the team's confidence and performance moving forward.
With fitness and readiness taking center stage, the upcoming T20I series against England will undoubtedly serve as a significant platform for Shami to establish his form and help the Indian team solidify its strategies and lineup. As the players continue their training, the focus remains on translating these practice sessions into successful performances on the field when the series commences. With the spotlight on pivotal players such as Shami, the expectations from fans, selectors, and the coaching staff remain high. The next few weeks will be telling, as India gears up for a fiercely competitive international calendar ahead.