Aakash Chopra raised concerns over Mohammed Shami’s form ahead of the Champions Trophy, while Ajit Agarkar remains on alert as Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is uncertain.
Mohammed Shami’s return to the Indian team has been inconsistent, raising concerns ahead of the Champions Trophy. He played two T20Is against England, going wicketless in one match before taking 3/25 at Wankhede, where the opposition collapsed. His performance adds to the uncertainty around India’s pace attack, as the squad currently has only three frontline pacers—Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose availability remains uncertain.
If Bumrah is ruled out, Shami, who is yet to regain peak rhythm, will lead India’s pace attack in Dubai. Harshit Rana is listed as a backup, but relying on him for a full quota of overs seems risky. This leaves Shami and Arshdeep as India’s only dependable fast bowlers.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes the selection committee should have included a fourth pacer to strengthen the squad. With only 15 spots available, any change would require dropping a player and getting ICC approval.
“Good question, but the answer to that question also has a little bit of a trick. It’s tricky as you will also have to drop someone. You can make a change to the squad but for that, you will have to drop someone. It’s an ICC event. It’s not a bilateral series at home. The squad will be of 15 members only,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“If you have to make a change, it’s because of injury, and you have to make a request for that and it needs to be approved. Nothing like that has happened. Four fast bowlers should have 100 percent been there because whatever we have seen of Mohammed Shami, he did take three wickets in the last match for sure and bowled decently, but he is far from ready,” he added.
India’s Pace Attack Under Scrutiny
With three ODIs against England on February 6, 9, and 12, India’s fast-bowling concerns will be closely assessed before the Champions Trophy. Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness remains uncertain as he undergoes evaluation at the National Cricket Academy, with a final decision on his availability expected soon. Meanwhile, questions persist over Arshdeep Singh’s effectiveness in ODIs. Despite excelling in T20Is, he has played only eight ODIs, taking 12 wickets, and his ability to handle middle-over spells in 50-over cricket remains untested on UAE pitches.
Another notable omission is Mohammed Siraj, raising speculation about whether he should have been included. If Bumrah is ruled out, the management may consider adding another fast bowler, with Siraj emerging as a potential candidate. Agarkar and the selection panel will have key decisions to make, as any changes must be approved by the ICC before the final squad submission deadline.
Last Updated on February 4, 2025
Senior Sports Copywriter