Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, head coach and chief selector of the new dispensation within the Indian cricketing setup, faced the media in Mumbai recently and addressed many burning issues surrounding the national team. One of the key updates was related to star pacer Mohammed Shami’s recovery and the chances of inducting fresh faces as fast bowlers in upcoming Test matches.
Shami’s absence has indeed created a yawning chasm in the Indian bowling attack. His ability to bowl fast and take wickets was genuinely needed during the tours of South Africa and England earlier this year. However, with Shami now starting to bowl in the nets, fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief by opening doors for his much-anticipated return into the national side.
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Agarkar described Shami as very important, citing his stellar form at the 2023 ODI World Cup, during which he claimed the most wickets taken in the entire tournament. To update Shami’s progress, Ajit Agarkar said: “We are cautiously optimistic about the return of this key bowler. While the first Test against Bangladesh starts on September 19, there is uncertainty over the exact recovery timeline. We will therefore be consulting with the National Cricket Academy for a more precise date.”
Though happy to have Shami back, Ajit Agarkar said fast-bowling resources needed to be deeper. He hinted at the possibility of integrating some promising young talents who have regularly impressed in the first-class cricket circuit.
“With a jam-packed schedule ahead of us with several Tests, including the all-important tour to Australia later this year, the need to develop depth in our pace attack has become imperative. The upcoming domestic season will be an excellent opportunity for us to find and nurture new talent that can come in and fit into the roles played by Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj,” he added.
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Gautam Gambhir’s first assignment as head coach will be the tour of Sri Lanka, commencing on July 27, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. This will be followed by home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand and end with the marquee five-match Test series against Australia Down Under.
