As the Indian cricket contingent gears up for the much-anticipated Test series against South Africa, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the participation of ace pacer Mohammed Shami.

The last batch of cricketers, featuring stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin, and Navdeep Saini, has embarked on their journey to South Africa. However, Shami’s absence from the group raises concerns about his availability for the crucial Test matches.

Notably, Rohit Sharma, a key figure in the Indian squad, is expected to join the team by Saturday in Johannesburg.

On the other hand, Mohammed Shami, currently recovering from an ankle injury, has not made the trip, potentially ruling him out of the Test series.

Earlier reports indicated that Mohammed Shami ankle injury was a cause for concern, putting his participation in doubt. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had explicitly stated that Shami’s availability would hinge on his fitness. The absence of any replacement announcement further underscores the uncertainty surrounding Shami’s status.

With no official replacement named and a substantial roster of 75 players on the tour, the Indian team seems poised to navigate Shami’s absence internally.

Harshit Rana, set to travel in the last batch, will likely step in as the nets bowler, emphasizing the team’s approach to manage workload amid a challenging series.

As India aims to make a mark in the World Test Championship with crucial points at stake, the absence of a key player like Mohammed Shami underscores the significance of effective workload management.

The dynamics of the red-ball format will come into play as India faces the challenge of balancing performance and player well-being in the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The cricketing world awaits updates on Shami’s fitness and the strategic choices the Indian team will make in light of this unforeseen setback.