Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra wants Mohammed Shami to play in IND vs ENG 3rd T20I. the pacer, who has been included in the Champions Trophy squad, is yet to make his international comeback after being on the sidelines for 14 months. Regarded as one of India’s best white-ball bowlers, Shami has warmed the bench so far in the IND vs ENG T20I series, with the mystery over his fitness ensuing.
“Truth is Shami needs to play”
In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra emphasizes on the need for Shami to play in the 3rd T20I, keeping Champions Trophy in mind. He questioned the actual status of the pacer’s fitness if he was going to be excluded from the playing XI in the game at Rajkot as well. Noting that Shami will be ready for the marquee event only if he plays international cricket, the ex-Indian opener pointed out that he was not being benched simply because of the bowling combination.
“If Mohammed Shami doesn’t play now also, what is the actual status? The truth is that Shami needs to play. If Shami doesn’t play, I am personally worried. It’s not that the Champions Trophy is starting tomorrow but he hasn’t played for 15 months,” Chopra said.
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“You are not making him sit out because of the bowling combination. There is no report about whether he is available to play this match, but I really hope that he is available and plays the match. No matter how the match goes, whether he gets hit or gives less runs, picks up wickets or not, I want to see Shami running in and bowling,” Chopra added.
The veteran pacer, who last played in ODI World Cup 2023 final, went under the knife earlier in 2024 after sustaining an ankle injury. After recovering at the NCA under the watch of the BCCI medical team, he made his return to competitive cricket in the domestic tournaments. While he was supposed to reportedly make his international comeback in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he could not after developing a swelling in his left knee during his recovery.
Shami was seen bowling in the nets at the Eden Gardens ahead of the 1st T20I with his left knee heavily strapped. This fueled speculations of his injury status. However, it looks like the team management is keen to preserve him for the ICC Champions Trophy.
