In a major blow for Team India, senior pacer Mohammed Shami has sustained another injury, delaying his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket. According to a report from the Times of India, Shami has suffered a side strain, which has severely diminished his chances of being fit in time for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia.

The 34-year-old fast bowler, who was last seen in action during the ICC World Cup 2023, had been preparing for a return by bowling in the nets under the supervision of India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel. However, he was not included in Bengal's squad for the next two rounds of the Ranji Trophy, hinting that his recovery might take longer than expected.

This is the second injury Shami has faced while trying to make his comeback. The veteran fast bowler had experienced knee swelling during India's recent Test series against New Zealand and was deemed unfit to participate. Despite undergoing surgery earlier this year following an ankle injury in the ICC World Cup 2023, Shami's latest side strain further complicates his path back to international cricket.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, had earlier mentioned during the first Test against New Zealand that the team was not rushing Shami's return, keeping in mind the long tour to Australia. India is set to kick off their Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign against Australia on November 22 at Optus Stadium in Perth, but Shami's availability for the series now remains highly uncertain.