National Desk, 27th February: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt wishes to star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami following confirmation of a successful surgery to address a longstanding Achilles tendon injury. Taking to social media, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence in Shami’s resilience, wishing him a swift recovery and good health.
“Wishing you a speedy recovery and good health, @MdShami11! I’m confident you’ll overcome this injury with the courage that is so integral to you,” tweeted Prime Minister Modi, echoing the sentiments of the nation towards Shami’s recovery journey.
Shami, who underwent surgery on his right Achilles tendon in London on February 26, conveyed his determination to return to action soon. However, the timing of the surgery suggests that the talented pacer is likely to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, slated from March 22 to May 26.
The injury presents a significant setback for the Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, particularly after the team’s trade of Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians. Shami’s absence will be keenly felt, given his pivotal role as the team’s leading wicket-taker during their runner-up finish in the IPL 2023.
Shami’s battle with injuries traces back to India’s ODI World Cup campaign, where he exhibited remarkable resilience despite playing through pain. His prolonged absence from cricket underscores the seriousness of his condition, prompting the decision to undergo surgery to address the persistent discomfort.
Initially optimistic about a swift recovery for the England Tests, Shami’s hopes were dashed when his ankle issues resurfaced, leading to a return to the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy for further evaluation. His absence from the Test arena has provided opportunities for debutants like Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep to step up during the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Shami’s last Test appearance dates back to the WTC final against Australia at The Oval in June, leaving a noticeable void in the Indian pace attack in his absence. As the cricketing community rallies behind him, Shami embarks on his journey to recovery, determined to come back stronger and continue his exceptional contributions to the Indian team.
Read More: Former TMC Tripura Unit Chief Pijush Kanti Biswas Rejoins Congress