Shami warns confident Bangladesh ahead of India Test series

India's premier fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, has issued a strong warning to the Bangladesh cricket team ahead of their two-match Test series against India.

Bangladesh's recent performance has raised expectations as they stunned Pakistan in what was considered a landmark achievement. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led team will now look to carry that momentum forward into their upcoming challenge against India.

In a statement directed at Bangladesh, Shami highlighted the significant challenge they face in overcoming India, particularly on home soil. He emphasized the level of skill and endurance required to defeat a team of India's calibre, warning that Bangladesh will need more than just confidence to secure victory.

Shami also touched on his own fitness journey during a recent event. After recovering from injury, the Indian pacer admitted his frustration with his time spent at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and expressed his eagerness to return to competitive cricket through the Ranji Trophy.

"The sooner you can leave the NCA, the better," Shami said. "Just hearing the name NCA worsens your mood because it means you're still not fit. You want to get fit as quickly as possible and return to doing what you love."

Shami is expected to play a couple of Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal as part of his comeback but will miss India's Test series against New Zealand following the Bangladesh series. Reports suggest that the pacer has already resumed bowling in the nets and is targeting a return for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia during the 2024-25 season.

Shami's absence from the Bangladesh and New Zealand series will be a notable one, but his return to full fitness remains a key focus for India ahead of their crucial Test assignments later in the season.