India cricket team pacer Mohammed Shami is yet to receive a clearance over his fitness from the National Cricket Academy. The veteran pacer, who was out of action for nearly a year due to an ankle injury, returned to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy and recently took part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well. While reports are doing rounds of Shami potentially joining Team India for the last two Tests in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it may not be a wise decision taken by the BCCI should the pacer fly to Australia.
India need Shami for Champions Trophy more than IND vs AUS
Shami is arguably India’s best bowlers after Jasprit Bumraj across all formats of the game. With the Champions Trophy 2025 drawing closer, it is imperative that India manage the pacer’s workload effectively and make sure he is fit to play all matches in the tournament. For this to happen, Shami must not risk himself by playing in the longest format of the game, at least for the next couple of months.
Mohammed Shami injured his ankle during the ODI World Cup 2023 following which he missed IPL 2024 entirely. He then underwent an ankle surgery and was recovering at the NCA. While he did develop some swelling in his knees which delayed his comeback, he finally made it back on the field in the domestic tournaments. However, he has been treading cautiously in SMAT as well, with the BCCI medical team keeping a close eye on the pacer and his progress in recovery.
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While India desperately need the services of Shami in Border-Gavaaskar Trophy, one must not forget the impact that the veteran pacer brings in the 50-over format. With 195 wickets from 101 ODIs, he is undoubtedly India’s leading pacers alongside Bumrah. In order for India to successfully wade through Champions Trophy campaign, it is imperative for the pacer to be 100% fit for the tournament.
One mustn’t forget that it took an injury-prone Shami nearly a year to recover from his injury. Hence, forcing him to play the last two IND vs AUS Tests can only prove to be harmful – both for the pacer and for India. Champions Trophy 2025 will be held between February-March, which leaves Shami with less than two months to become completely fit and stay available for the entire tournament.
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Champions Trophy > IND vs AUS Tests: Why Mohammed Shami shouldn't fly to Australia
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