New Delhi:
Mohammed Shami’s Anticipated Return Bolsters India’s Cricket Hopes as BCCI Seeks Champions Trophy Squad Extension
As the cricket world gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India is on the cusp of a significant boost with the potential return of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. Shami, who has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup due to ankle injuries, is now poised to make a comeback, a development that could be pivotal for India’s ODI squad against England and the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently seeking an extension from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalize the India squad for the Champions Trophy, highlighting the importance of Shami’s return. With Jasprit Bumrah facing injury concerns, Shami’s inclusion could be a game-changer for India’s bowling lineup.
Mohammed Shami has not played for India since the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup, a period marked by his struggles with ankle injuries. Despite these setbacks, Shami has been diligently working on his fitness, participating in the Vijay Hazare domestic one-day competition for Bengal. This stint in white-ball cricket has been crucial in assessing his readiness for international cricket.
Shami’s path to recovery has been meticulous, with the Sports Science wing of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru closely monitoring his progress. He has either received or is on the verge of receiving complete clearance, indicating that his return to national duty is imminent.
The BCCI’s request for an extension to finalize the Champions Trophy squad underscores the significance of Shami’s potential return. The ICC allows teams to make changes to their provisional squads one month after the initial announcement, but the BCCI needs more time to ensure Shami’s fitness and finalize the roster.
While Shami’s return to the T20 side against England is uncertain for now, his inclusion in the ODI squad is highly likely. This is particularly important given the upcoming ODI series against England, scheduled to start on January 22, with the three ODIs set for February 6, 9, and 12.
England and India are set to engage in a series of five T20Is followed by three ODIs. The T20I squad for India is expected to be announced soon, although Shami’s immediate return to the T20 format seems less probable. The focus, however, remains on his potential impact in the ODI matches and the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE.
Jasprit Bumrah’s ongoing injury concerns have highlighted the critical need for a reliable and experienced bowler like Shami. His return could provide much-needed stability to India’s bowling lineup, making his comeback a highly anticipated event in Indian cricket.
