Right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami has less than a week to prove his fitness and convince the Indian selectors ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After a lengthy injury break, the fast bowler has recently made his return to competitive cricket. However, he is still under close observation by the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) medical team.

After a strong performance in his first Ranji Trophy match back with Bengal, Mohammed Shami will be assessed during a few Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 games. Reports also say that Shami needs to lose some weight and improve his fitness to be considered for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad.

A BCCI source, speaking to ‘The Times of India’ on November 22, stated, "What one needs to see is when he can let go of the dependency on the BCCI's medical team, which is treating him after every spell he is bowling." This remark highlights the ongoing concern about Mohammed Shami's fitness as he aims to secure his place in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad.

It further said, "The medical team feels he will start losing weight as he keeps playing matches, which will help build his endurance. Since the Ranji Trophy leg is over, the first round of SMAT matches has been kept as a makeshift yardstick."

According to the report, Mohammed Shami's training and recovery are being managed by BCCI's head of sports science, Nitin Patel, and National Cricket Academy (NCA) trainer, Nishant Bordoloi, while he is with the Bengal team. Shami's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) matches began on November 23, giving him 10 days to demonstrate his fitness ahead of the selectors' decision for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Report says that Shami is not fully fit yet so he may not be pushed to return to cricket too quickly, as the BCCI is focused on ensuring he is fully fit for the ICC Champions Trophy in February.

The sources further quoted "Bowling two-over spells in T20 matches in SMAT isn't the ideal parameter. Maintaining intensity in a high-profile Test series is a different ball game. There is a chance he could be sent to train with Team India if he clears the SMAT challenge, but to play him will be a good call. The selectors are also wary about the Champions Trophy in February."

If Shami recovers as per the plan, he could play in the third Test, starting December 14. In Shami's absence, India played well in the first Test at Perth. Stand-in captain and pace leader Jasprit Bumrah took eight wickets, Mohammed Siraj took five, and debutant Harshit Rana took four, helping India win by 295 runs.