Veteran India fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been ruled out of IPL 2024, will head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to undergo his rehabilitation process. He is also unlikely to travel with Team India squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. It, however, remains to be seen if he recovers in time for the marquee tournament and finds a berth in the squad, which will be announced by May 1.

“Mohd. Shami successfully underwent a surgery on 26th February, 2024 for his right heel problem. He is recovering well and will soon head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to commence his rehabilitation process,” BCCI said in a media release.

Shami’s last appearance for the Indian team was in the 2023 World Cup, where he was a major contributor to taking India to the final. He accumulated 24 wickets in seven matches at an average of 10.70 to become the leading wicket-taker of the quadrennial showpiece event. As per a report in espncricinfo, he played in the 2023 World Cup taking injections to treat his ankle.

Shami is the pace spearhead of one-time champions Gujarat Titans and the development comes as a major blow to the franchise who have already traded their captain Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, he was not in consideration among the key bowlers in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Earlier in January, Shami felt some stiffness to his ankle but was able to recover in time for the England Tests. However, he was ruled out after reassessment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He had also withdrawn from India’s tour of South Africa due to pain in his ankle.