India Banks on Shami’s Magic in Absence of Bumrah for Champions Trophy 2025

With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to injury, India will look to Mohammed Shami to lead their pace attack in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As the tournament returns after 12 years, expectations are high for Shami, who has proven himself as a reliable match-winner across formats. However, concerns remain about his ability to deliver in a high-pressure event, especially as he makes a comeback from injury.

India begins their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai, and without Bumrah, Shami will have a crucial role to play. While Arshdeep Singh will partner with him, the young pacer is still developing and does not yet match Bumrah’s level of consistency. This puts the onus on Shami to step up and lead the pace attack.

Despite the concerns surrounding his fitness, former Indian pacer Laxmipathy Balaji remains confident in Shami’s ability. He pointed out that Shami had outperformed even Bumrah in the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2023 edition, showcasing his ability to deliver in big tournaments.

“Actually, he had out-bowled Bumrah in the 2019 (50-over World Cup) and in the last World Cup (2023). Bumrah is the champion bowler across formats. But Shami has experience, and before Bumrah’s arrival, it was Shami who carried India’s attack all through,” Balaji stated.

With Bumrah’s absence, India needs Shami to strike early with the new ball. Balaji emphasized that if India wants to do well, Shami must perform upfront. His effectiveness with the new ball could be the key to India’s success.

“I think it’s important. If India has to do well, then Shami has to come good with the new ball. The kind of impact he can make in his first few overs with the new ball will play a crucial role for India,” he added.

A major concern for Shami is whether he can regain his full rhythm following his ankle injury. Although he has played in multiple formats since returning to cricket late last year, performing at peak fitness in a tournament of this magnitude remains a different challenge.

Balaji, however, believes that Shami’s experience will help him navigate these challenges.

“Since that (ankle) injury happened, there was a little bit of slowness, maybe. It’s natural. But there is nothing you can do about it. It’s part of any sportsperson’s career,” he said.

“He has the experience to get over it, and he will do it as he bowls more. It’s just about accepting the (physical) condition and continuing his best practices,” he added.

One factor that could work in Shami’s favor is the playing conditions in Dubai, which have historically assisted pacers. Balaji noted that Shami’s ability to attack the stumps could prove valuable in these conditions.

“He keeps attacking the stumps, a quality that is very critical in a place like Dubai, where batsmen may get a little bit more assistance,” Balaji said.

“What Shami does is hit the seam and move the ball off the deck. It is dangerous as batsmen will not be able to guess easily which way the ball is going to move,” he added.

Shami’s skills also bring into play LBWs and clean bowled dismissals, which could be crucial in India’s campaign.

Despite all his achievements, Shami has yet to win an ICC global trophy, making this Champions Trophy a significant opportunity for him. At 34 years old, he may not get another shot at an international title, adding extra motivation to perform at his best.