The BCCI revealed on December 23 that experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami will not join the team in Australia for the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Shami, who had surgery to address a heel injury, has fully recovered. However, he is now dealing with slight swelling in his left knee, attributed to the strain from his recent bowling workload in domestic cricket after making his return.

As a result, Shami will be unavailable for the final two Tests of the series.

But as the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule is out officially, the big question arises - will he be fit in time for the big-ticket event and even IPL 2025?

Big Challenge Ahead

Mohammed Shami's availability for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as well as IPL 2025 has also come under question due to his current condition. Indian Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma has emphasized that Shami should achieve full fitness before making his comeback to international cricket. Meanwhile, the men's selection committee has not yet finalized India's squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against England, scheduled to start in the latter half of January. The ODI matches will take place in February, serving as a lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will follow a hybrid hosting model.

Will He Be Able To Participate In Vijay Hazare Trophy?

The BCCI notified that Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under the guidance of the medical staff at BCCI's Centre of Excellence and build his bowling loads that is needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will also depend on the progress of his knee.

Shami has faced injury challenges since the conclusion of the ODI World Cup 2023, undergoing ankle surgery shortly after the tournament. Since then, he has been undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA, working towards regaining full fitness. Shami has expressed his desire to participate in domestic cricket to prepare for his return to the Indian team. He featured in both the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but his comeback to the national side has been further delayed.