Mohammed Shami likely to play the ODI series against South Africa: Reports

Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the T20 World Cup has created a huge crisis in Team India. The selectors do not have many options on the bench to replace the star player. But it's Mohammed Shami who is the frontrunner. But considering he is recovering from Covid-19 and hasn't played any T20s since IPL 2022, the selectors are likely to include him in the ODI squad for the South Africa series, starting October 6.

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"Shami has just tested negative. He will get the required tests done and report to the NCA. Yes, he hasn't played any games, and that is a concern. He needs to be match ready. It's up to the selectors whether they want him to play in the ODI series and get ready for Australia."

a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by InsideSport

With Jasprit Bumrah injured, Mohammed Shami is set to be added to India's 15-member squad. BCCI can make changes to the squad irrespective of injury by October 9. They have another six days to make last-minute changes until October 15 if ICC grants permission.

While Team India is set to leave for Australia on October 6, Shami could be asked to stay back and join the World Cup squad after the ODI series ends on October 11. India will play two warm-up games on October 17 and 19 against Australia and New Zealand. But before that, the team management would want Shami to get back to 100% match fitness.

"Mohammed Shami not playing any matches before T20 World Cup is actually a concern," says BCCI

"Mohammed Shami not playing any matches before T20 World Cup is actually a concern. Hopefully, he is fit and gets to play the warm-ups. We have time to make changes in the squad. So, it would not be a problem. Once we receive a report on Hooda, we will have more clarity. For now, the squad will remain the same including the reserves," a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.

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India's T20 World Cup squad: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravi Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh.