IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans` Mohammed Shami Ruled Out Of Tournament Due To Ankle Injury, Says Report

Shami has already missed the tour of South Africa, the Afghanistan T20Is and the Test series vs England at home. He was aiming a comeback in IPL but it seems it has become impossible to do it now.

Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Mohammed Shami is likely to miss IPL 2024 as he is set to undergo an ankle surgery soon and may not be completely fit by the time league starts. As per a report in news agency PTI, Shami took injections to get fitter in time but that move did not work and now he will need a surgery to get rid of the pain.

The 33-year-old, who is not part of the ongoing Test series against England, last played for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November.

"Shami was in London in last week of January to take special ankle injections and he was told that after three weeks, he can start light running and take it from thereon.

"But the injection hasn't worked and now the only option left is surgery. He will shortly leave for UK for surgery. IPL seems out of question," a senior BCCI source said on the condition of anonymity.

Shami, hailed as a pivotal figure in India's remarkable World Cup journey with 24 wickets, persevered through discomfort stemming from landing issues, yet maintained his stellar performance level. Recently bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award, Shami boasts an impressive record of 229 Test, 195 ODI, and 24 T20 wickets over his illustrious decade-long career.

However, doubts arise regarding the effectiveness of the injury rehabilitation program orchestrated by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for Shami. It appears improbable that the pace bowling maestro will regain fitness before India's upcoming home Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand in October and November respectively. Instead, his sights may be set on the crucial away series against Australia.

Critics suggest that the NCA's cautious approach has not yielded desired results in Shami's case. According to a source familiar with the matter, "Shami should have opted for surgery, and that decision should have been made by the NCA. Merely two months of rest and injections were unlikely to suffice, as evidenced by the current situation. He is a valuable asset, and his presence will be crucial for the Indian team in Australia."