India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma has voiced concerns over fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s return to international play, revealing that a recent setback could delay his comeback even further. Shami, who has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, encountered an unexpected hurdle with swelling in his knee, forcing him to restart his recovery process.

“It’s pretty difficult for us to make a call on whether he will be fit for this series or the Australia series,” Rohit stated ahead of India’s first Test against New Zealand. He emphasized the challenges fast bowlers face after a long absence from the game, noting, “He has not played any cricket for over a year. It is quite tough for a fast bowler to have missed so much and then suddenly be at his best.”

Rohit made it clear that rushing Shami back could exacerbate his injury. The pacer is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), working closely with physiotherapists and doctors, following a roadmap designed to ensure his complete recovery. “We don’t want to bring an undercooked Shami to Australia,” Rohit added, highlighting the team’s reliance on Shami for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Despite struggling through the World Cup with pain and injections, Shami had an impressive haul of 24 wickets in seven matches. Following Achilles tendon surgery in February, the focus remains on his fitness for the crucial Australia series. “We are keeping our fingers crossed,” Rohit concluded, underscoring the importance of having a fully fit Shami on the field.