Mohammed Shami took regular injections during World Cup 2023, out of SA Tests due to chronic heel issue

Mohammed Shami took regular injections during the ODI World Cup 2023, revealed a source close to the fast bowler to PTI. The India pacer is not a part of the South Africa Test series after failing a fitness test under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The India pacer has not played cricket since the World Cup 2023 final loss against India.

A source told PTI that Shami played through pain in the ODI World Cup and is not playing due to a chronic heel issue. The fast bowler was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament despite missing the first four matches. Shami picked 24 wickets from 7 matches, at an incredible economy of 5.26.

"Shami has a chronic left heel issue. A lot of people don't know that he took injections regularly during World Cup and played the entire tournament through pain," a former Bengal teammate of Shami, aware of his situation told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

"But you must understand that as you grow older, recovery from each niggle or big injury takes that more time," the source further added.

Mohammed Shami was missed by the Indian team in Centurion especially because of Prasidh Krishna's



poor performance.

While Rohit Sharma, as any skipper would do publicly, backed the Bengaluru man, who was playing only his 13th first-class game, the manner in which Avesh Khan was summoned by the Indian team management after his five-wicket haul for India A indicated the panic that has set in among the ranks.

"Poor Prasidh... The kid isn't ready for Test cricket. He doesn't have skills to bowl second and third spells yet. They went with him based on his ability to hit the deck. But they forgot when has he last played a proper season of Ranji Trophy? Just one India A game isn't enough," a former India bowler told PTI.

He said that even Avesh's inclusion wouldn't make much of a difference unless he is given a long rope.

"The problem is India's next generation of pacers don't evoke the same kind of excitement and confidence that Bumrah, Shami, Ishant and Siraj produced.

"Avesh is same type of bowler like Prasidh but plays red ball cricket more regularly. So he might hit better lengths. Navdeep Saini is still playing India A for six years. That tells you the story," the bowler, who refused to be named, said.