Positive news came out of the Punjab Kings camp as fast bowler Mohammad Shami is set to return and represent Punjab Kings in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Head Coach Anil Kumble confirmed on Saturday that Shami is completely fit to start training with the team.
Shami picked up an injury in Australia at the end of 2020. He fractured his forearm on the third day of the first Test in Australia in Adelaide. Shami was hit by a Pat Pat Cummins delivery and was forced to return home. He has been out of action since December 2020.
The Indian pace bowler was ruled out of the England series as he was not considered to be match fit although is his injury was expected to heal within four to six weeks. Shami has been working at National Cricket Academy to regain fitness while India has been playing against England across all formats.
“He is fine as far as I know. He is coming to the bio-bubble for the quarantine and he will be out in a few days. I know he hasn’t played any matches since his injury but he is good to go. We are really looking forward to him playing a few practice games and then getting ready for the first game,” Kumble told Sportstar.
Shami is a seasoned veteran in IPL. He has picked up 60 wickets in 65 matches with an economy of 8.89. He had a fine run in 2019 and finished the season as KXIP’s highest wicket-taker with 19 wickets from 14 games. He picked up 20 wickets in IPL 2020 that was held in UAE.
Earlier this year, Punjab Kings changed their name from Kings XI Punjab to create a new identity. They are not the first team to do so as Delhi Daredevils changed their brand name to Delhi Capital. After a dismal season, Punjab Kings will be hoping to have a much better IPL campaign this year. They are going to face Rajasthan Royals in their first game on April 12 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.