Kolkata, Sep 14 (PTI) – Indian fast-bowling sensation Mohammed Shami, currently recuperating from an ankle injury, remains cautious about declaring his return to competitive cricket. The seasoned pacer emphasized the crucial need to be completely fit before making his comeback to the field.

Shami’s last appearance was in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, and he has been sidelined since then due to an ankle injury that necessitated surgery earlier this year. Speaking at the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) annual awards ceremony, where he was honored for his exceptional performances, Shami conveyed his aspiration to regain full fitness before rejoining his team.

“I am working diligently to make a return soon because I am well aware that I have been out of action for quite some time. However, my priority is to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. My focus is on improving my fitness so that I can perform without any hindrance,” Shami told reporters.

“The stronger I return, the better it will be for me. I don’t want to rush back and risk another injury, whether it’s in the series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, or Australia. Although I have already started bowling, I will not take any chances until I am 100% fit.” PTI reported last month that Shami, currently undergoing rehabilitation, is expected to make his comeback in domestic cricket for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, with a potential international return in one of the Test matches against New Zealand.

It is anticipated that Shami will feature in one or two of Bengal’s opening Ranji matches against Uttar Pradesh on October 11 and Bihar on October 18.

The 34-year-old hinted at the possibility of participating in domestic matches to test his fitness before making his international return. “If playing domestic cricket is necessary to assess my fitness, I am prepared to do that. What matters most is being fully ready for whatever comes next, irrespective of the opposition or format,” Shami added.

Shami is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s preparations for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. When asked about the much-anticipated series, Shami confidently stated, “We are the favorites; they should be worried.”

The CAB also acknowledged Shami’s long-standing association with Bengal cricket despite his birth 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 deeply grateful for the love and support Bengal has shown me,” Shami said.

During the ceremony, several other Bengal cricketers were also celebrated for their achievements. Anustup Majumdar was awarded ‘Cricketer of the Year,’ while Abishek Porel was named ‘Gentleman Cricketer of the Year.’ Suraj Singh Jaiswal received the ‘Best Fast Bowler of the Year’ award, and Chandrahas Dash was honored as the ‘Best Under-19 Cricketer.’

Among the women cricketers recognized for their outstanding performances were Deepti Sharma and Saika Ishaque, who excelled in the Senior Women’s T20 and One-Day tournaments respectively. In total, 200 awards were distributed during the event.

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