Mohammed Shami’s return has been scheduled; he is set to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy before making his comeback in the New Zealand Test series, according to reports.

Senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, currently recovering from an ankle injury at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, is set to make his return to competitive cricket in October. He’ll first be seen playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, beginning October 11, before joining the Indian squad for the Test series against New Zealand.

According to a PTI report, Shami will make his comeback after a 10-month hiatus, likely participating in one or both of Bengal’s opening Ranji Trophy matches—one against UP on October 11 and the other against Bihar on October 18. Given the tight schedule, he might only play one of these matches.

After his domestic stint, Shami will join the Indian team for one of the three Tests against New Zealand, starting on October 19 in Bengaluru, with additional matches in Pune on October 24 and Mumbai on November 1. He’ll then prepare for the upcoming tour to Australia.

Jay Shah has confirmed that Mohammed Shami will be part of the Indian squad for the series in Australia. The 34-year-old fast bowler last played for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19 last year. Since then, Shami has been recovering from ankle surgery he underwent in the UK in February, which initially ruled him out for at least six months.

While there was some speculation about Shami possibly returning for the Bangladesh Test series at home next month, and concerns arose after he was left out of the 2024 Duleep Trophy squads, Shah has put those doubts to rest.

Speaking to the Times of India, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah assured that Shami will be on the team’s flight to Australia in December for the Border-Gavaskar Test series. Shah emphasized the readiness of the team, noting that they’ve rested Jasprit Bumrah and highlighted the fitness of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He affirmed, “Shami will be there because his experience is crucial for us in Australia.”