After Australian Aaron Finch, who suffered a hamstring injury, it seems to be the turn of Indian speedster Mohammed Shami, who is set to miss the remainder of the IPL with knee injury. As per a BCCI official, the bowler might have to undergo an operation as well.
The Indian fast bowler had been one of the stand-out performers for the men in blue in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, where he managed to take 18 wickets and also received several accolades from cricketers around the world.
Hence, there were huge expectations from Delhi Daredevils, who had retained Shami from the IPL 2014 squad as the team underwent changes in IPL 2015 auctions. The fast bowler has not bowled a single ball in the cash-rich T20 league.
One BCCI official stated that he will take around two months of recovery and should not have gone for the IPL.
"Shami is out of the tournament. He might have to go for operation. He should not have gone for IPL. He will take at least two months for recovery," a BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
His absence could be a huge disappointment for the Daredevils, who just registered their first victory in IPL 2015 against Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday.
Delhi Daredevils issued a media release a few days ago and it was stated that Mohammed Shami has a minor knee injury and is consulting a specialist as well.
Hence, there were expectations that the bowler would play for the franchise this season itself, but that has been blown to tatters now.
It is not only Shami, who has been missing from the team's line-up, but also Zaheer Khan, who is said to have a niggle and would only be back after being declared fit by the medical team.
Daredevils coach Gary Kirsten was expecting their return to the starting eleven.
"We look forward to the return of Zaheer and Shami to the playing XI. Thus far the bowling unit has stood up well and made the most of the opportunities. The most pleasing aspect of our bowling has been the performance of the spinners and the younger fast bowlers," IPL official website quoted Kirsten as saying on Monday.
Delhi Daredevils were looking upon Shami to lead the team from the front in the bowling department, so with his absence the team might have to look for other options.
