India’s pace spearhead, Mohammed Shami, has once again made headlines, but this time not with the ball. Just three weeks before the much-anticipated India-England bilateral series, Shami showcased his prowess with the bat in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). This is a timely reminder that he can wield a long handle as well, something that may well be needed during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Yes, the fitness concerns have pushed him behind but the Bengal pacer looks determined to make a strong return to the white-ball setup.
Mohammed Shami stars with the bat!
Shami, known for his lethal bowling spells, surprised everyone by playing a pivotal role with the bat for Bengal. In a game against Madhya Pradesh, he smashed a quick-fire 42 off just 34 balls, featuring five boundaries and a six. His innings came at a critical juncture when Bengal was struggling at 205/7. Alongside all-rounder Kaushik Maity, Shami stitched a vital 64-run partnership for the eighth wicket, helping Bengal post a respectable total of 269/7. Despite his primary role as a bowler, Shami’s performance with the bat has turned heads. Many remember his match-changing fifty at the Lord’s as well.
Not just this, Shami backed up his batting performance with a stellar wicket off the first ball of the MP innings. He sent back wicket-keeper Harsh Gawali, who handed a simple catch to fellow keeper Abhishek Porel.
Shami’s return date confirmed?
Having last donned the Indian jersey in November 2023, Shami is eager to return to the international stage. His absence in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was felt, but now all eyes are on his Vijay Hazare Trophy performance. A BCCI official hinted that if Shami continues his form in the tournament, he could be considered for the ODI series against England, starting February 6, if not in the India vs England T20Is (starts from Jan 22).
The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2025, is not far away, and selectors are closely monitoring Shami’s fitness and form. Given his godly campaign at the World Cup 2023, where he picked up 24 wickets in just 7 games, Shami remains a strong contender for a spot in India’s squad. With Jasprit Bumrah having some injury concerns, Shami’s inclusion should be of paramount importance for India.
Mohammed Shami surely deserves his comeback now
Despite being named in Bengal’s squad for the premier 50-over domestic competition, Shami missed the initial four games. He now made his return and has played all three formats since making his comeback. You already know, Shami last played a competitive game during the ODI World Cup 2023 Final in Ahmedabad before returning on the field after 360 days. Shami played a single Ranji Trophy game before having a decent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) recently, taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.86 across nine innings in the tournament.
In that tournament, he played 9 T20 matches within a span of 18 days. The home matches for Team India begin with the first T20I at Eden Gardens on January 22. The ODIs begin on February 6. Meanwhile, the last date to submit squads for the ICC Champions Trophy is February 12.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Gautam Gambhir to be questioned for 3-1 BGT loss at BCCI SGM on January 12?
Top Stories
