Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as big blow for the Indian team, fast bowler Mohammed Shami has tested positive for Covid-19 and has been ruled out of the three match T20I series against Australia starting in Mohali from September 20. Umesh Yadav has been named as a replacement for Shami.
Shami has not travelled to Mohali for the first T20I and has been advised to isolate. The fast bowler from Moradabad is also part of the Indian squad for the three match T20I series against South Africa beginning September 28.
32-year-old Shami hasn’t been around in T20 format for India since the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE. But his brilliant performance in IPL 2022 influenced the selectors to pick him for the Indian T20 squads for the series against Australia and South Africa. Shami had picked 20 wickets from 16 matches in IPL 2022 for Gujarat Titans.
This is the second time in about a month that India have had to deal with a key member of their team testing positive for Covid-19. Just before the Asia Cup, their head coach Rahul Dravid tested positive for Covid-19 and had to delay his travel to the UAE. He was reported to have only mild symptoms and was eventually able to link back up with the team after their opening game against Pakistan.