Mohammed Shami is fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Check details

The third T20I between India and England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot saw the return of fast bowler Mohammed Shami to international cricket after a lengthy hiatus of 14 months. Shami, who had been out of the T20I setup for an extended period, made his comeback in the high-stakes encounter, adding experience and depth to India's bowling attack. He opened the bowling for India, taking the new ball in the game. Shami bowled a total of three overs during the match, showing his usual pace and skill, but he wasn't able to pick up a wicket. He conceded 25 runs in his spell, maintaining a relatively tight line but failing to make the breakthrough. Despite not being among the wickets, his presence in the squad was a significant boost for India, given his vast experience in all formats of the game.

Mohammed Shami likely to attain complete fast bowling rhythm ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammed Shami's return was much-anticipated, and it highlighted India's depth in fast bowling. Shami's performance, while not spectacular, was a step in the right direction as he continues to find his rhythm after such a long break. The Indian team management will be hoping for more from him in the coming matches, especially in a series that is now finely poised at 2-1 in India’s favor. Shami’s role in India's bowling attack will be crucial as the series heads into its final stages.

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu delved into the challenges cricketers face when returning to their optimal on-field performance after an injury layoff. Drawing from his own experiences and observations of players returning to international cricket, Rayudu emphasized that regaining peak form post-injury takes time and patience. He pointed out that while the physical recovery from an injury is critical, a player’s mental resilience and match fitness are just as important to fully transition back into the rigors of top-level cricket. It often requires several matches to find rhythm and regain confidence, especially for fast bowlers who rely on timing, pace, and consistency in their deliveries.

In the case of Mohammed Shami, who made his return to the T20I side in the third match against England after a 14-month hiatus, Rayudu expressed optimism. Despite Shami’s modest performance in the game, where he bowled three overs for 25 runs without picking up a wicket, Rayudu predicted that the right-arm speedster would regain his mojo by the end of the ongoing India vs England series and ahead of the all-important ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He acknowledged that Shami's experience and ability to adapt would eventually allow him to hit his stride, especially as he gets more overs under his belt. Rayudu’s insight provided a sense of perspective, encouraging patience and belief in Shami’s ability to bounce back strongly in the upcoming matches.

“I think his rhythm builds when he runs well during his run-up and comes to the crease at good speed. Today, I couldn’t see that much. Having confidence about your body is extremely crucial for a player after injury. Players who’ve gone through injury will tell you that it takes time after returning. The body remains in good shape but the confidence in one’s body to put in the extra efforts comes with time. Hence, I feel Shami will pick up his rhythm after a couple of games,” stated former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu in a recent conversation. 

In the same discussion, former cricketer Piyush Chawla echoed Ambati Rayudu's sentiments regarding Mohammed Shami's return to form. Chawla agreed that it’s natural for players to take time to regain their full rhythm after an injury layoff, especially when it comes to fast bowlers like Shami. He pointed out that Shami’s experience and skill would play a crucial role in helping him bounce back. Chawla further emphasized that Shami, being a seasoned player, would need a few more outings to rediscover his peak performance and confidence. While his initial return in the third T20I might not have been extraordinary, Chawla remained optimistic about Shami’s potential to get back to his best by the end of the series. Both Rayudu and Chawla were hopeful that with more match exposure, Shami would soon find his rhythm and contribute significantly to India’s bowling attack.

After the conclusion of the ongoing IND vs ENG T20I series, India will face England in a three-match ODI series. This series presents an intriguing opportunity for the Indian team management, particularly when it comes to the deployment of fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Given Shami’s experience and recent return to the international fold, it will be interesting to see how the team uses him during the 50-over format, especially with the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon.

Shami has always been a key player in India’s limited-overs setup, known for his ability to break partnerships and bowl in the death overs. However, coming off a long injury layoff and with his recent performances in T20Is being underwhelming, the team management will need to carefully manage his workload and match fitness in the upcoming ODIs. With the Champions Trophy approaching, Shami’s performances in this series could be pivotal for India’s bowling attack. The ODI format will offer Shami more time to settle into his rhythm, and the series will give him a platform to prove his match fitness and regain full confidence ahead of a crucial tournament. The Indian team management will likely monitor his progress closely, especially considering his key role in India’s pace attack for upcoming major tournaments.