Kolkata, Sep 14 (PTI) – Indian pace bowler Mohammed Shami is determined to achieve full fitness following his ankle surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. To ensure he is 100% ready for international cricket, he is open to playing domestic matches without rushing his much-anticipated return to the international stage.

Shami last represented India during the 2023 ODI World Cup final but has been absent from the field due to an injury that required surgical intervention earlier this year.

During the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) annual awards ceremony, where Shami was honored for his remarkable performances, he shared his commitment to regaining top physical condition before rejoining the team.

“I am diligently working on making a swift comeback because I am aware of how long I have been away from the team. However, I want to ensure that I return without any discomfort. My focus is on my fitness, to avoid any issues when I am back on the field,” Shami told reporters.

“The stronger my return, the better it is for me. I don’t want to rush and risk another injury, whether it’s against Bangladesh, New Zealand, or in the Australia series. I’ve already started bowling, but I will not take any risks until I am 100% fit.” Reports from PTI last month indicated that Shami, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation, is expected to make his comeback in competitive cricket with his domestic side Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. This could potentially lead to an international appearance in one of the Test matches against New Zealand.

Shami is anticipated to participate in either one or two of Bengal’s opening Ranji matches against Uttar Pradesh (October 11) and Bihar (October 18).

The 34-year-old suggested that playing domestic matches could be a part of his path to returning to international cricket.

“If I need to play domestic cricket to assess my fitness, I will do so. What is most important is being fully prepared for whatever comes next, regardless of the opponent or format,” Shami added.

Shami is expected to play a crucial role in India’s preparations for the forthcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

When asked about the highly anticipated series, Shami confidently remarked, “We are the favorites; they should be worried.”

The CAB also acknowledged Shami’s long-standing association with Bengal cricket, despite his roots in Uttar Pradesh.

“I often say I was born in UP but made in Bengal. This journey has spanned over 20 years, and I am thankful for the love and support Bengal has shown me,” Shami said.

During the ceremony, numerous other Bengal cricketers were celebrated for their achievements.

Anustup Majumdar received the ‘Cricketer of the Year’ award, while Abishek Porel was named ‘Gentleman Cricketer of the Year’. Suraj Singh Jaiswal was honored as ‘Best Fast Bowler of the Year’, and Chandrahas Dash received the ‘Best Under-19 Cricketer’ award.

Among the women cricketers felicitated for their stellar performances in the Senior Women’s T20 and One-Day tournaments were Deepti Sharma and Saika Ishaque.

A total of 200 awards were distributed during the event.

The Awardees: Cricketer of the Year: Anustup Majumdar; Gentleman Cricketer of the Year: Abishek Porel; Best Fast Bowler of the Year: Suraj Singh Jaiswal; Best Under-19 Cricketer of the Year: Chandrahas Dash; Highest Run Getter (Senior Women’s T20): Deepti Sharma; Highest Wicket Taker (Senior Women’s One-Day): Mita Paul; Highest Wicket Taker (Senior Women’s T20): Saika Ishaque.