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The Champions Trophy is around the corner with the Indian team back in fine form during the ODI and T20I clash against England. The triumph in both series is seen as a major relief for India after their disappointing trip to Australia in which they were thrashed 1-3 in the 5-match Test series. But while the Indian team is on a winning streak, several concerns from the batting order to picking up the ideal bowling unit still hang in the balance with the coveted ICC tournament just a few days to go.
One such major concern for the Indian team is the fitness of star pacer Mohammed Shami. The seasoned Indian pacer has appeared far from his usual self against England. With Champions Trophy 2025 knocking on the door, former Indian batter and commentator Aakash Chopra whether Shami is the right choice for the Indian team.
Akash Chopra raised concern over Shami’s pace drop
Chopra didn’t hold back in delivering a harsh reality check to Shami following his underwhelming return to international cricket. The veteran pacer earned a recall for the T20I and ODI series against England after proving his fitness in domestic cricket. However, in his first ODI series since the 2023 World Cup, Shami struggled to make an impact. He managed to pick up only two wickets in two matches, averaging a disappointing 52.00 with the ball. His lackluster performance raised concerns about his form and effectiveness, especially with the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon. With intense competition for spots in India’s pace attack, Shami will need to bounce back strongly to reclaim his status as a key bowler in the squad.
“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 on his YouTube channel.
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Chopra prefers Bhuvneshwar Kumar over Shami
The former cricketer highlighted a noticeable drop in Shami’s pace, raising concerns about his effectiveness at the international level. He suggested that if India needs a bowler operating at 132 kmph, they might be better off considering Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who possesses superior swing and control. Despite being out of favor, Bhuvneshwar remains a reliable option, having last represented India in 2022 against New Zealand in Napier. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, his inclusion could offer India a different dimension in their bowling attack.
“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.
India have opted for the pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Shami, and Arshdeep Singh for the coveted ICC tournament. The team management decided to drop Mohammed Siraj following his lack of effectiveness on the tour to Australia. With Bumrah not fully recovered from the injury he suffered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Shami not able to regain his form, India’s pace attack remains disposed to attack from rival batters.
