Mohammed Shami goes cautious way before making return to cricket, says ‘koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon…’

New Delhi: India pacer Mohammed Shami wanted to make sure he is 100 per cent before returning to competitive cricket. The Bengal fast bowler, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup last year, has been out of action since then because of an ankle injury for which he went under the knife earlier this year.

Although Shami has started training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), his comments put to rest the rumours of his return against Bangladesh. Undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA, Shami’s return to cricket field is expected to be for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy before the selectors take a final call on whether to include him for the series against New Zealand.

Bengal will play Uttar Pradesh (October 11) and Bihar (October 18) in the Ranji Trophy and if everything goes well, Shami is likely to be seen in the playing XI in any of the games.

“Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time). However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I’ve to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort,” Shami said during the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) annual awards ceremony in Kolkata.

“The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don’t want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the Australia series. I’ve already started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I am 100% fit,” he added.

With the upcoming Australian touring nearing in, Shami would prove crucial for India if selected. The Indian stated that Rohit Sharma’s men will start favourites. “Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (We are the favourites, they should be worried).”