Mohammed Shami Confirms Knee Recovery, Targets Australia Series

Mohammed Shami Confirms Knee Recovery, Targets Australia Series

India’s upcoming Test series against New Zealand serves as a crucial preparation for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. The five-match Test series in Australia, commencing on November 22, will pose significant challenges for the Indian team. However, Rohit Sharma and his squad remain confident, buoyed by India’s previous victories in the BGT.

Ahead of the eagerly awaited series, fans eagerly anticipate the return of star pacer Mohammed Shami. Shami’s last international appearance was in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. Since then, he has undergone knee surgery and has been recovering.

Earlier this month, reports emerged that Shami had suffered a knee swelling during a practice session, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the Tests against Australia. However, in a recent interview with NDTV, Shami confirmed that his knee is now fully recovered and he is eager to return to domestic cricket.

“I have repeatedly stated that I have not sustained any new injuries. There may be occasional setbacks, but it’s unfair to blame anyone. Out of 365 days, one day can go wrong,” Shami told NDTV.

“It’s crucial to have faith in the team and our abilities. I hope to play at least one domestic match and be fully fit for the Australia series. That’s my goal,” he added.

In a separate interview with ANI, Shami reflected on India’s loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final.

“We should have won the final. We shouldn’t blame anyone or question anything. From a batting perspective, it’s not that we didn’t try to score runs,” Shami told ANI.

“Our target was not limited. As bowlers, we gave our all. They had some luck on their side. We were almost unbeaten. We were determined to win. The entire nation supported us, but we fell short in the final. It wasn’t our day,” he added.

India Prioritizes Rishabh Pant's Knee Health Amidst Injury Concerns

India Prioritizes Rishabh Pant’s Knee Health Amidst Injury Concerns

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has revealed that the team is taking extra precautions with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s knee injury, which he sustained during the first innings of the second Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

Pant, who has undergone multiple surgeries on his knee following a life-threatening car accident in December 2022, was seen struggling to run comfortably while batting in India’s second innings. He was eventually dismissed for 99 off 105 balls.

“He’s had a massive operation on his leg, so we all know what he went through,” Rohit said after India’s eight-wicket defeat. “It’s just to be a little careful about where he is at and what he is to us.”

Pant injured his knee on the second day of the Test while attempting to stump Devon Conway. He was replaced by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps for the remainder of the first innings and the first 27.4 overs of New Zealand’s second innings.

Rohit emphasized the importance of being cautious with Pant’s knee, given his recent history of injuries.

“He’s had a lot of minor surgeries [and] one big surgery on his knee and he went through a lot of trauma, to be honest, in the last one-and-a-half years,” Rohit said. “So it’s just about being extra careful, not [just] careful with him.”

Despite his knee injury, Pant displayed his usual aggressive batting style, smashing nine fours and five sixes.

“No one knows what goes in his mind, to be honest,” Rohit said with a smile. “He decides what he wants to do. I don’t think there’s anything that you need to speak to him [about]. We spoke to him about ‘please understand the situation’ and stuff like that, but that’s Rishabh – he wants to play in a certain way and then, as a captain, as a coach, we want to back that because like he has produced results for us having that mindset. So let him go and play freely.”

Ben Sears Ruled Out of India Tour with Knee Injury

Ben Sears Ruled Out of India Tour with Knee Injury

New Zealand’s Test squad for their upcoming tour of India has suffered a setback with the withdrawal of fast bowler Ben Sears due to a knee injury. Sears, who made his Test debut against Australia earlier this year, experienced pain in his left knee during the recent Test series in Sri Lanka. Scans revealed a tear to his meniscus, ruling him out of the three-match series against India.

Jacob Duffy, who has yet to make his Test debut, has been called up as Sears’ replacement. Duffy, 30, has played six ODIs and 14 T20Is for New Zealand and has an impressive 299 first-class wickets to his name. He is expected to leave for India on Wednesday morning, the first day of the first Test.

In Sears’ absence, New Zealand’s fast-bowling attack will likely consist of Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Will O’Rourke. Ajaz Patel is expected to be the primary spin option, with allrounders Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Michael Bracewell also providing spin support. Glenn Phillips can also offer part-time spin if needed.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Sears’ injury but remained optimistic about Duffy’s potential contribution. “It’s an exciting opportunity for Jacob, who has been around the Test squad before,” Stead said. “With three Tests ahead of us, he has every chance of making his Test debut.”

Duffy’s recent experience playing for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship is believed to have played a role in his selection. Stead praised Duffy’s performances in white-ball cricket for the Black Caps and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute if called upon.

New Zealand’s tour of India begins with the first Test in Bengaluru on February 22. The series will then move on to Pune and Mumbai for the second and third Tests, respectively.

Shami's Comeback Hopes Dented by Knee Injury

Shami’s Comeback Hopes Dented by Knee Injury

Mohammed Shami’s Comeback Hopes Dented by Knee Injury

Team India’s hopes of a swift return for premier pacer Mohammed Shami have been dealt a blow as he has developed “swollen knees” during rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The injury could sideline Shami for an additional six to eight weeks, jeopardizing his availability for the upcoming five-Test series in Australia.

Shami has been undergoing rehab at the NCA since February after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery. He was expected to join the Bengal Ranji Trophy team and participate in the first-class tournament starting October 11. However, the knee injury has flared up, casting doubt on his immediate return.

“Shami had resumed bowling and was on track to make a comeback soon. But this knee injury has flared up recently. The BCCI’s medical team is assessing the injury, but it may require significant time,” said a BCCI source.

Shami’s last competitive appearance was in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2023. He was selected for India’s two-Test tour of South Africa in December 2023, subject to fitness. However, he was ruled out after the BCCI medical team withheld clearance.

The injury is a setback for the NCA medical team, which has been working with Shami for over a year. The team has implemented a comprehensive workload management system, but the knee injury has emerged as an unexpected hurdle.

The Indian team management has been cautious about the workload of its premier fast bowlers, including Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. They were expected to lead the attack in Australia, but neither has played five consecutive Test matches recently.

The selectors will face a dilemma when selecting the squad for the three-Test home series against New Zealand starting October 16. They will hope that Shami recovers in time for the Australia tour, but his availability remains uncertain.

Samit Dravid to Miss Four-Dayers Due to Injury, Ineligible for 2026 U-19 World Cup

Samit Dravid to Miss Four-Dayers Due to Injury, Ineligible for 2026 U-19 World Cup

Samit Dravid, the son of former India captain Rahul Dravid, will likely miss the upcoming four-day matches against Australia Under-19s in Chennai due to a knee injury. The all-rounder had been sidelined from the three-match one-day series in Puducherry and is still recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

“As of now, he’s at the NCA, recovering from his knee injury,” said India Under-19s coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar. “So, [I] don’t know yet. It looks unlikely.”

Samit, who turned 18 in October, will not be eligible for the next Under-19 World Cup in 2026 due to age restrictions. According to ICC regulations, players must be under 19 as of August 31, 2025, to participate.

Despite missing out on the World Cup, Samit’s development remains a priority for the NCA. “We are prioritizing giving the players exposure to grow over merely selecting a talent pool for the 2026 T20 World Cup,” said VVS Laxman, the former India batter and NCA head.

Kanitkar is eager to test his players in red-ball cricket, as the first youth Test against Australia Under-19s will be India’s first four-dayer in over five years. “Red-ball [cricket] really tests you,” said Kanitkar. “There’s enough time for the bowlers to plan and [make] strategies. So, for both batters and bowlers and even fielders, it’s the ideal challenge to see where you stand.”

India Under-19s enter the four-dayers with confidence after a 3-0 sweep in the one-dayers in Puducherry. However, Kanitkar is wary of the conditions at Chepauk, which has experienced rain and high humidity. “The pitch is obviously different and we will have a look again tomorrow morning,” said Kanitkar. “Let’s see if it rains overnight or not because it’s hot and humid.”

MS Dhoni's Fitness Sparks IPL Return Speculation

MS Dhoni’s Fitness Sparks IPL Return Speculation

MS Dhoni, the legendary former Indian cricket captain, has sparked speculation about his potential return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has remained an active player in the IPL, leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to four titles.

However, a knee injury plagued Dhoni throughout the 2023 IPL season, forcing him to wear a knee brace. Concerns about his fitness emerged, but a recent video clip on social media has allayed those fears. The 43-year-old was seen hitting a jump smash at lightning speed on a badminton court, showcasing his remarkable fitness.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering reintroducing the provision for franchises to retain retired international players as uncapped players. This rule was abolished in 2021, but its reinstatement could pave the way for Dhoni’s return to CSK as an uncapped player.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has denied that the franchise has requested this rule change, but the BCCI has indicated that it may be implemented. If the rule is reinstated, CSK could retain Dhoni without using one of their retention slots, giving them greater flexibility in building their squad.

Dhoni’s availability for the 2025 IPL season remains uncertain, but his recent display of fitness has fueled speculation about his potential return. The mega auction will precede the season, and Dhoni’s decision will be closely watched by fans and franchises alike.

Carolina Marin's Olympic Dream Crushed by Knee Injury

Carolina Marin’s Olympic Dream Crushed by Knee Injury

Former Olympic champion Carolina Marin’s hopes of a second gold medal were shattered in heartbreaking fashion as she suffered a devastating knee injury during her women’s singles badminton semifinal at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Marin, who was leading the match 21-14, 10-6 against China’s He Bing Jiao, was forced to withdraw after falling awkwardly on her right knee. The incident occurred during the second game when she jumped to execute a return shot on her backhand side and landed awkwardly on her right foot.

The Spaniard burst into tears immediately after falling and was quickly attended to by medical staff. She returned to the court briefly to continue the match but played only two more points before limping to the side of the court and collapsing in tears.

Marin, who won the gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, missed the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to a knee injury. The Paris Games were expected to be her final Olympic appearance.

He Bing Jiao, who was visibly shocked by the incident, hugged Marin after she was forced to retire. The Chinese shuttler will now face Korean Republic’s An Se Young in the final.

Marin’s injury is a major blow to the badminton world. She is one of the most decorated players in the sport, having won three World Championships and the Olympic gold medal. Her absence from the final will be a significant loss for the tournament.

It remains to be seen if Marin will return for the bronze-medal match. However, her injury is a reminder of the physical toll that elite-level sport can take on athletes.

Djokovic's Olympic Gold Quest Hampered by Knee Pain

Djokovic’s Olympic Gold Quest Hampered by Knee Pain

Novak Djokovic’s Olympic gold medal quest faces a setback as he battles knee pain. The 24-time Grand Slam champion advanced to the semifinals of the Paris Games with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, but expressed concern about the state of his surgically repaired right knee.

Djokovic, 37, felt “sharp pain” early in the second set against Tsitsipas at Court Philippe Chatrier, the same stadium where he originally tore his meniscus in June. He underwent surgery shortly after but returned to action at Wimbledon, where he reached the final before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.

Despite wearing a knee sleeve, Djokovic required medical attention during the match and took anti-inflammatory pills. The medication provided temporary relief, but Djokovic acknowledged that its effects would fade by the following morning.

“I’m hoping I can be ready,” said Djokovic, who will face Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the semifinals. “I have to go and examine the knee now with my physio and with the medical staff of the tournament. And then let’s see.”

Djokovic’s Olympic title pursuit has been a priority this season, as the only major trophy missing from his illustrious resume. He has not lost a set through his first four matches at the Games, including a victory over rival Rafael Nadal.

However, the knee pain casts a shadow over his chances of winning his first Olympic gold medal. Djokovic’s resilience and determination will be tested as he seeks to overcome the physical challenge and continue his quest for tennis history.

Liam Livingstone Leaves IPL Early to Address Knee Injury Ahead of T20 World Cup

Liam Livingstone Leaves IPL Early to Address Knee Injury Ahead of T20 World Cup

Liam Livingstone, the Punjab Kings and England all-rounder, has prematurely departed India to address a lingering knee issue ahead of the T20 World Cup in June. Livingstone has endured a string of muscle injuries in recent years, including two missed games early in the IPL season due to an on-field injury during a loss to Lucknow Super Giants.

Despite returning to the PBKS lineup for their defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Livingstone has now left the tournament with his team eliminated. ESPNcricinfo reports that his knee injury is not severe enough to jeopardize his World Cup participation but necessitates rest before England’s upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.

Livingstone’s IPL campaign was underwhelming, with 111 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 142.30 and three wickets in 12 overs. This follows a lackluster winter in franchise cricket, including a quiet SA20 season with MI Cape Town and a brief stint with Sharjah Warriors.

Other England World Cup squad members participating in the IPL, including Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, and Reece Topley, will also return home shortly. They are expected to reunite in Leeds before England’s first T20I at Headingley on May 22.

Livingstone’s departure highlights the importance of player management and injury prevention ahead of major tournaments. With the T20 World Cup approaching, England will be keen to ensure that their key players are fit and ready to perform at their best.

Murali Sreeshankar Ruled Out of Paris Olympics with Knee Injury

Murali Sreeshankar Ruled Out of Paris Olympics with Knee Injury

Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, India’s brightest track and field prospect for the Paris Olympics, has suffered a devastating knee injury that has shattered his Olympic dreams and sidelined him for the entire year.

Sreeshankar, who had already qualified for the Paris Games with a leap of 8.37m at the Asian Championships last year, sustained the injury during training on Tuesday. Tests revealed a tear in his patellar tendon, requiring surgery that will keep him out of action for months.

The injury is a major setback for Sreeshankar, who had been in excellent form in 2023. He won a silver medal at the Asian Games, finished third in the Paris Diamond League, and set a new personal best of 8.41m at the Inter-State Championships.

Sreeshankar’s absence will be a significant blow to India’s track and field contingent for the Paris Olympics. He was the only Indian jumper to have made the qualification mark for the Games, and his experience and talent would have been invaluable in the quest for medals.

The injury has left Sreeshankar devastated, but he has vowed to overcome this adversity. “My journey to a comeback began the minute I injured my knee,” he wrote in an emotional social media post. “This road is going to be long, difficult, and will take a lot out of me. The good thing is, I have a lot to give. I will overcome this, because that’s what Mamba Mentality is all about.”

Sreeshankar’s injury is a reminder of the fragility of athletic careers and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite this setback, he remains a talented and determined athlete with the potential to achieve great things in the future.

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