Mohammed Shami is “fully recovering” from injury but will not be selected for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. BCCI explains why

Mohammed Shami The BCCI will not be included in the Indian cricket team for the remaining two Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI confirmed on Monday. In a press release, the BCCI said that Shami has fully recovered from his heel problem. However, his left knee became swollen after playing in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. As such, the BCCI has concluded that his “knee requires more time to bear controlled pressures of bowling” and hence he will not be selected for the final two Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which is currently tied at 1-1 after the first three tests.

“The BCCI medical team at the Center of Excellence is working closely with Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami on his recovery and rehabilitation following surgery on his right heel. Shami has fully recovered from this heel problem,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Shami bowled 43 overs in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in November. Following this, he played in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he also participated in additional off-spin bowling sessions to build up his bowling volume and prepare for the Test matches.

“However, there was minor swelling on his left knee due to the increased stress on the joints from bowling. The swelling is at expected levels due to increased bowling after a long period,” the BCCI said in a statement.

“Based on the ongoing medical assessment, the BCCI medical team has determined that his knee requires more time to bear the controlled stress of bowling. Consequently, he was not declared fit to play in the remaining two Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests.”

“Shami will continue to engage in targeted strength and conditioning training under the guidance of the medical staff at the BCCI Center of Excellence and increase his bowling workload to meet the demands of the longest format of the game. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee.”