Senior India fast bowler Mohammed Shami is set to return to competitive cricket in October after a lengthy recovery from an ankle injury suffered during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami is currently rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, preparing for a critical recovery ahead of India's three-match Test series against New Zealand at home.

Earlier, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted at Shami’s potential return during India’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh next month. "September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal. I don’t know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that," Agarkar mentioned before India’s tour of Sri Lanka in July.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been closely monitoring Shami's progress. Recently, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that they expect the fast bowler to regain full fitness in time for the Australia series. Shah emphasized Shami's experience and value to the Indian side, particularly for the challenging Australian tour. “Your question about Shami is right... he will be there because he is experienced, and we need him in Australia,” Shah mentioned in a conversation with The Times of India.

He further added “Our team is already well prepared. We have rested Jasprit Bumrah for a while now. Mohammad Shami is expected to be fit too. This is an experienced Indian side now. Seniors like Rohit and Kohli are fit," 

Meanwhile, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly stressed that Shami will need to prove his fitness in domestic cricket to secure his place for the Australia tour. "He (Shami) wants to be on that tour. But he has to play Ranji Trophy to prove himself," Ganguly said.