Shami Out of Border-Gavaskar Trophy Due to Injury

Mohammed Shami's absence from the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy is regarded as a significant loss for India, as noted by Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald. Shami, recovering from an ankle injury and subsequent knee swelling, will miss out on the initial squad announcement but is expected to play two Ranji Trophy matches to prove his fitness. India has called up new talents, including Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, to bolster their fast-bowling lineup, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack. Despite Shami's absence, McDonald warns against underestimating the Indian reserves, who have previously performed well under pressure. Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla emphasized Shami's eagerness to regain match fitness through domestic games before the series.