Mohammad Shami Confident in India’s Strength Against Bangladesh

Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami, who has claimed 229 wickets in 64 Test matches, believes that India is the strong favorite against Bangladesh. Shami has been sidelined due to injury since the ODI World Cup and missed the T20 World Cup as well. Despite not being able to prepare for the Test series against Bangladesh, Shami remains optimistic that India will not give Bangladesh any opportunities on home soil. He is not worried about Bangladesh’s recent whitewash of Pakistan in Rawalpindi and has issued a warning to the opponents.

Speaking at an annual awards ceremony in Kolkata on Saturday night, Shami commented on the upcoming series against Bangladesh:

“If Bangladesh manages to defeat Pakistan, that’s good for them. However, we are playing at home. Our record, current form, and the strength of the Indian team should be taken into consideration when evaluating Bangladesh.”

The two-Test series between Bangladesh and India will begin in Chennai on September 19, followed by a three-match T20 series. Shami, who has not played an international match since his ankle surgery, remains absent from the team despite the start of the home season.

When asked about his current fitness status, Shami said, “I do not want to rush things, although I want to return as soon as possible. I have already started bowling, and I want to ensure that I have no doubts in my mind and do not feel any discomfort.”

Shami’s last Test appearance was in June 2023 against Australia at The Oval during the World Test Championship final. Since then, he has been out of action, including undergoing surgery, and has not played a match since the India-Australia World Cup final last November