Veteran India fast bowler Mohammed Shami missed out on selection for the Test squad in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series against Australia. However, Mohammed Shami sent a strong message to the selectors, showcasing his readiness to perform for Team India at the highest level.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to announce India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy and the upcoming England ODI series by January 12, which is the final date to submit provisional squads. The selectors are likely to field the same squad, with Jasprit Bumrah being the only exception.
All Set to Take on the World – Mohammed Shami
Ahead of the squad announcement, Mohammed Shami sent a strong message to the selectors. He posted a video of his practice session ahead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinals on January 7. In the video, he is seen bowling and cleaning up the middle stump, which impressed Indian cricket fans.
The 34-year-old is a key player in India’s success in the Champions Trophy. He shared the video with the caption, “Precision, Pace, and Passion, All Set to Take on the World!” It came a day after former India coach Ravi Shastri questioned the team management about Shami’s exclusion from the BGT.
Precision, Pace, and Passion, All Set to Take on the World! 🌍💪 #Shami #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/gIEfJidChX
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) January 7, 2025
Mohammed Shami Last Played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup Finals
Shami last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where he was the leading wicket-taker. His most recent Test match was the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final against Australia in June.
Shami made his return to competitive cricket with Bengal in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy and later played in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. He will next be in action against Haryana in the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinals on January 9.
The pace bowler’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad is crucial for the team management. The selectors are expected to evaluate him in the upcoming ODI series against England before making a final decision. ICC rules allow teams to make changes to their provisional squads until February 13.
Mohammed Shami’s Role Becomes Crucial as Concerns Over Bumrah’s Fitness Grow Ahead of Champions Trophy
Concerns are mounting over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy following an injury he sustained during the second day of the Sydney Test against Australia. The fast bowler, suffering from back spasms, was immediately taken for scans and did not return to the field.
Three days after the conclusion of the match, which saw Australia reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade, the BCCI’s medical team has yet to release an official update on the severity of Bumrah’s injury.
A report by PTI suggests Bumrah is likely to miss the upcoming ODI series against England. However, if his condition worsens, his participation in the Champions Trophy could be at serious risk, leaving him in a race against time to regain fitness.
Also read: ‘Sarfaraz Khan was dumped’: Sanjay Manjrekar blasts Gambhir, Rohit for batter’s poor treatment
