3 min read
After more than 14 months on the sidelines due to a serious Achilles heel injury, Mohammed Shami made his much-anticipated return to the Indian team for the T20I series against England. Having undergone a lengthy period of rehabilitation, Shami was eager to get back on the field, and his comeback came in the third match of the series. However, his return was not as impactful as expected. In his three overs, the veteran pacer conceded 25 runs without picking up a wicket, struggling to make a significant impact on the game. Despite his efforts, India went on to win the match, and Shami was rested for the fourth T20I.
Mohammed Shami is fit and available for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
With the series already in India’s grasp at 3-1, Shami was reintroduced for the fifth T20I. His return to the playing XI was more of a formality, with the series result already decided, but it also gave the management a chance to assess his fitness and readiness for future challenges. Shami’s return marked a key moment in his career as he looked to find his rhythm once again after a lengthy layoff. As he continues to regain full fitness, Shami remains an important part of India’s bowling arsenal, with the potential to play a significant role in upcoming international assignments.
Mohammed Shami's return to the Indian team after a prolonged recovery from an Achilles heel injury has been a closely watched affair. In the fifth T20I against England, Shami bowled 2.3 overs, claiming three wickets. However, his performance wasn’t entirely convincing, as he dismissed just one recognised batter, conceding 25 runs. While it was a step in the right direction and a sign that he’s regaining his fitness, there were still some glaring concerns regarding his form and rhythm.
With the Champions Trophy 2025 just two weeks away, Shami's readiness for the marquee event remains uncertain. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his doubts, commenting that Shami is "far from ready" for the intensity of the competition. Chopra’s assessment is based on Shami’s inability to maintain the high standards expected of him, especially in the short-format games.
As one of India's premier fast bowlers, Shami’s presence in the squad for major tournaments like the Champions Trophy is crucial, but his recent performances have raised questions. While the pacer has the experience and pedigree, the key for him will be to find his rhythm quickly in the upcoming series and regain his mojo. India will need Shami at his best if they are to challenge the top sides in the Champions Trophy, and with time running out, the pressure will only intensify.
"Good question, but the answer to that question also has a little bit of a trick. It's tricky as you will also have to drop someone. You can make a change to the squad but for that, you will have to drop someone. It's an ICC event. It's not a bilateral series at home. The squad will be of 15 members only," said former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel.
"If you have to make a change, it's because of injury, and you have to make a request for that and it needs to be approved. Nothing like that has happened. Four fast bowlers should have 100 percent been there because whatever we have seen of Mohammed Shami, he did take three wickets in the last match for sure and bowled decently, but he is far from ready," he added.
India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah (Subject to fitness), Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk) and Ravindra Jadeja.