India's veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has missed out on selection for the Test squad for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia. However, Mohammed Shami sent a strong message to the selectors, showing his willingness to perform for the Indian team at the highest level.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to announce India's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy and the upcoming England ODI series by January 12, which is the final date for submitting provisional squads. The selectors are likely to field the same squad, with Jasprit Bumrah being the only exception.
All set to beat the world – Mohammed Shami
Ahead of the squad announcement, Mohammed Shami sent a strong message to the selectors. He posted a video of his practice session ahead of the quarter-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 7. In the video, he is seen bowling and clearing the middle stump which impressed the Indian cricket fans.
The 34-year-old is a key player in India's success at the Champions Trophy. He shared the video with the caption “Precision, rhythm and passion, all set to conquer the world!” It came a day after former India coach Ravi Shastri questioned the team management about Shami's exclusion from the BGT.
Precision, rhythm and passion, all ready to conquer the world! 🌍💪 #Shami #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/gIEfJidChX
— @MdShami11 January 7, 2025
Mohammed Shami last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final
Shami last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where he was the leading wicket-taker. His most recent Test match was the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final against Australia in June.
Shami returned to competitive cricket with Bengal in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy and later played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in 2024. He will next be in action against Haryana in the quarter-finals of the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, on January 9.
The pace bowler's inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad is crucial for the team's leadership. The selectors are expected to assess him in the upcoming ODI series against England before making a final decision. ICC rules allow teams to make changes to their provisional squads until February 13.
Mohammed Shami's role becomes crucial as concerns over Bumrah's fitness mount ahead of Champions Trophy
Concerns are growing over Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the Champions Trophy following an injury sustained on the second day of the Sydney Test against Australia. The fast bowler, suffering from back spasms, was immediately taken for scans and never returned to the pitch.
Three days after the match ended, in which Australia claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade, the BCCI's medical team is yet to issue an official update on the severity of Bumrah's injury.
A PTI report suggests that Bumrah is likely to miss the upcoming ODI series against England. However, if his condition worsens, his participation in the Champions Trophy could be in serious jeopardy, leaving him in a race against time to regain fitness.