Mohammed Shami has limited time to convince selectors to include him in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with just under a week to prove his fitness. The fast bowler, who has returned to competitive cricket after a lengthy injury layoff, has impressed in his first Ranji Trophy match but now faces evaluation through Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 matches.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is closely monitoring Shami's recovery, with a particular focus on his fitness and weight. The medical team is helping him regain his physical form, and his performance in the SMAT matches, which started on November 23, will be a critical factor in his selection.

Shami's fitness is being managed by BCCI's head of sports science, Nitin Patel, and NCA trainer Nishant Bordoloi, while Shami continues to undergo treatment after every bowling spell. His ability to lose weight and build endurance is vital to his selection, as the BCCI does not want to rush him back into the team before he is fully fit, particularly with the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February.

If Shami's recovery progresses as expected, he may be available for selection for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series, starting December 14.