Bhuvneshwar replaces Shami for Asia Cup

"The decision has been taken to give him more time to recover from the Grade II injury to his left hamstring," stated a BCCI statement.

Despite the cloud over his fitness hovering around, the selectors have decided to wait for at least another week to assess Mohammed Shami’s availability for the next month’s World T20.

Pace bowler Mohammed Shami has been withdrawn from the squad for the Asia Cup, thus prolonging his return to international cricket since suffering a knee injury during the last year’s World Cup. The national selection panel, headed by Sandeep Patil, has replaced Shami with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

“The decision has been taken to give him more time to recover from the Grade II injury to his left hamstring,” stated a BCCI statement.

Despite the cloud over his fitness hovering around, the selectors have decided to wait for at least another week to assess Shami’s availability for the next month’s World Twenty20.

Shami marked his return to competitive cricket during the group stage of domestic one-day competition and was selected for India’s ODI series in Australia last month. However, he broke down hours after the team’s arrival Down Under and was withdrawn from the squad.