Mohammed Shami is prioritising Champions Trophy, IPL over Border Gavaskar Trophy?

A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) insider has hinted that Mohammed Shami may focus on the 2025 Champions Trophy and the IPL 2025, potentially delaying his return to Test cricket for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The ace pacer recently resumed competitive cricket after recovering from a severe ankle injury, but his immediate priorities appear to lie elsewhere. The Border Gavaskar Trophy is set to continue with the third Test, starting on Saturday, December 14, at the Gabba in Brisbane. Earlier reports had suggested that Shami was on track to make his international comeback during the fourth Test of the series. However, fresh developments suggest his travel plans have encountered setbacks, possibly influenced by the need to manage his workload and ensure peak fitness for upcoming high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the IPL.

Shami’s absence has been keenly felt in India’s bowling attack, especially in challenging overseas conditions like Australia, where his ability to extract bounce and seam movement could have been a valuable asset. However, the decision to prioritize limited-overs cricket over Test matches might reflect a broader strategy to preserve the experienced bowler for marquee events. With India aiming for glory in the Champions Trophy and the IPL playing a pivotal role in preparing players for international duty, Shami’s cautious return timeline underscores the importance of balancing recovery with long-term objectives. For now, India’s bowlers will need to step up at the Gabba, as the team looks to gain a decisive edge in this hard-fought series.

The 34-year-old pacer recently showcased his skills in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), delivering solid performances during the tournament. Shami managed to claim 11 wickets in nine matches, maintaining an average of 25.36. His economy rate of 7.85 further highlighted his ability to keep opposition batters in check in the shortest format of the game. These consistent performances marked an encouraging return to competitive cricket for Shami, who had been sidelined with a severe ankle injury. His contributions in the SMAT demonstrated his readiness to take on high-pressure situations, providing a glimpse of his sharpness with the ball. While his performances have reassured selectors and fans of his form and fitness, his immediate focus appears to be on managing workload and ensuring long-term availability for major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and IPL.

"The swelling seems to come and go. He himself is keen on playing more and more domestic cricket and hence the possibility of him once again playing Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal (starting December 21) looks imminent at the moment. He can then bowl at least three spells and 10 overs per game," said the source.

“Shami is at the business end of his career. What if his knee acts up badly in Australia after a long spell? He will have to field on hard grounds. He missed the last IPL due to ankle surgery. This time, he has a hefty Rs 10 crore deal with SRH. You can't blame him if he wants to preserve himself for white ball format for now," the source added.

While the team might hope for Shami's return to red-ball cricket, the experienced pacer is arguably the best judge of his own fitness and readiness. Shami's decision on whether he can make a comeback during the ongoing series in Australia will likely depend on his assessment of his physical condition and workload management. Shami last featured in international cricket during the 2023 World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, where his stellar performances throughout the tournament reaffirmed his value as a key asset for Team India. However, with a packed calendar ahead, including the Champions Trophy and IPL, Shami may choose to prioritize limited-overs cricket for now. His ability to manage his fitness while delivering in crucial matches remains vital, and the team management will respect his judgment on when he is ready to don the whites again.