NCA’s conservative approach to injury management under scanner as Mohammed Shami faces surgery
Indian cricket fans were eagerly waiting for the announcement of the IPL 2024 schedule when a report from news agency PTI claimed that last season’s runner-up Gujarat Titans will miss the services of star fast bowler Mohammed Shami. The best bowler of the ODI World Cup 2023 with 24 scalps has been missing from action since the marquee event due to injury. He missed India’s Tour of South Africa and the Test series against England at home.
The PTI report said that Mohammed Shami played through pain during the World Cup as he had problems with his landing but didn’t let it affect his performance.
“Last week of January, Shami visited London for special ankle injections. He was informed that after three weeks, he could begin light running. Unfortunately, the injections proved ineffective, and surgery is now the only remaining option. Shami will soon travel to the UK for the procedure, making his participation in the IPL uncertain,” he said.
Recently honored with the Arjuna Award, Shami has taken 229 wickets in Test matches, 195 in ODIs, and 24 in T20s over his decade-long career. However, the development raises a question mark about the injury rehabilitation management program planned by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for Shami.
It is highly unlikely that the pace bowling artist would be able to make a comeback before India’s Test matches at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand (October-November). His target could be the marquee away series against Australia.
People in the know of things believe that the NCA’s conservative line of thinking has not worked in Shami’s case.
“Opting for surgery right away should have been the decision of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Merely relying on two months of rest and injections wasn’t an effective approach, as evident from the current situation. Shami is a valuable asset, and his presence will be crucial for the Indian team”.
The NCA is now under scanner for its late surgery call for Shami. The report reveals that the NCA’s conservative approach to Shami’s injury management has not worked well. The senior BCCI source believes that the NCA should have taken the call for surgery directly, instead of opting for two months of rest and injections.
“Shami ought to have opted for surgery right away, and it should have been the decision of the NCA. Relying on only two months of rest and injections wouldn’t have been effective, and that’s precisely what transpired. Given his significance, the Indian team will require him in Australia,” the source added.
In conclusion, the injury management programme planned by the NCA for Shami has come under scrutiny. The senior BCCI source believes that the NCA’s conservative approach has not worked well in Shami’s case. The Indian team would need Shami in Australia, and it remains to be seen if he can make a comeback before the away series.
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