Bumrah doubtful, Shami underwhelming: India's pace attack ready for Champions Trophy?

It's not all smooth sailing for Team India despite their dominant run in the ongoing India vs England ODI series. Awaiting them next is the ICC Champions Trophy, where they will face some of the strongest teams in world cricket. To prepare for the marquee event, the Men in Blue must find a balanced combination that fires in all aspects. However, at present, a glaring weakness in their bowling department seems evident. England’s struggles against spin in subcontinental conditions have played a key role in India’s commanding victories so far. But with teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh also competing in the Champions Trophy, India cannot solely rely on their spin attack to script wins.

Mohammed Shami stages concern as doubt looms over Jasprit Bumrah for the ICC Champions Trophy

India’s premier match-winner, Jasprit Bumrah, remains unavailable following the back injury he sustained during the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Initially reported as a back spasm, his condition ruled him out of the ODI series against England. With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, there is still no concrete update on his recovery. Meanwhile, India is banking on Mohammed Shami, who has returned to international action after over a year. However, the pacer is yet to rediscover the form that would make him a reliable force in the ICC tournament.

To put is simply, India's plan with the pace department looks clueless as of now. A part of the India squad for the Champions Trophy, Arshdeep Singh has warmed the bench in both the ODIs against England. Instead, Harshit Rana tries his fortune in what has emerged as his debut deries. Moreover, countering England with spin, India's third pace option is all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Meanwhile, Shami, the most-experienced and the anticipated assaulter after Bumrah has not put a promising picture.

After proving his fitness in domestic cricket, the veteran pacer was recalled for the T20I and ODI series against England. However, in his first ODI series since the 2023 World Cup, Shami struggled to make an impact, managing just two wickets in as many games at an expensive average of 52.00. As he struggles, former Indian cricketer, Akash Chopra has voiced concerns over India’s fast-bowling depth ahead of the Champions Trophy. Chopra, in his argument, pointed out that Shami lacked the sharpness that once made him a lethal force.

"How confident are we with our fast-bowling resources? The truth is that Jasprit Bumrah's absence is hurting. Based on what we have seen thus far, it seems like our fast bowling is our weak link. If you see Mohammed Shami's comeback, he has not hit top gear yet. We are hoping that he will reach there," Chopra said.

Putting up a surprising opinion, Chopra remarked that if India were to rely on a pacer clocking around 132 kmph, then an experienced but sidelined Bhuvneshwar Kumar might be a better alternative. Notably, Bhuvneshwar has been out of the Indian setup since his last appearance against New Zealand in Napier back in 2022.

"The pace is slightly depleted. Bhuvneshwar Kumar at 132 kph is going to be outstanding because he is very sharp at 132 kph. However, if Mohammed Shami bowls at 132 kph, he looks a little below his best because his bowling style is getting the ball to move at 137 or 138 kph. That brings the best out of Shami," Chopra added.

Shami also failed to leave a mark in the T20I series preceding the ODIs, where he was given a couple of opportunities in the five-match contest. He picked up three wickets at an average of 16.67 but did little to strengthen his case for a permanent spot. To make matters worse, Shami was taken apart by tailender Adil Rashid in the second ODI, conceding three consecutive boundaries. Chopra pointed out that the senior pacer’s inability to complete his full quota of overs in both games is a worrying sign for India as they prepare for the ICC tournament ahead.

"Shami is not bowling that well currently. If Adil Rashid hits him for three consecutive fours, you say he is not ready yet. He is leaking runs. The captain is not getting him to bowl 10 overs, and that is my problem. If you don't get him to bowl 10 overs, when will he get ready? He is a little far from his best," he said.