Shami bowls at full tilt in first India training session after 14 months, showcasing his readiness for the Champions Trophy amidst injury worries.
January 20, 2025: As Team India prepared for their white-ball series opener against England, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami stole the spotlight during an intense three-hour training session. Making his return to the national setup after a 14-month injury layoff, Shami exhibited glimpses of his vintage form, bowling with full intensity for over an hour.
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Sporting heavy strapping on his left knee, Shami began his session with a cautious warm-up under the supervision of bowling coach Morne Morkel. After a series of short-stride deliveries, he gradually ramped up his intensity, eventually bowling fiery spells that troubled young batters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma. His rhythm grew with every delivery, extracting bounce and movement, even as young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel offered a stern challenge with aggressive strokes.
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Despite the taxing session, Shami continued without requiring assistance from the physiotherapist, showcasing his resilience. Post-nets, he engaged in a detailed discussion with Morkel, working on hitting precise lengths, even striking stumps with pinpoint accuracy during practice drills. The veteran also joined Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana for additional training, sharing insights throughout the session.
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The only concerning moment came when Shami briefly limped back to the changing room but quickly returned, interacting with teammates while carefully managing his strapped knee.
A Crucial Return for Team India
Shami’s inclusion in the T20I squad ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19 in Dubai and Pakistan, comes at a pivotal moment. With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness under scrutiny, Shami’s experience and quality are crucial for bolstering India’s pace attack.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar emphasized Shami’s value during the Champions Trophy squad announcement. “If he’s fit and playing regularly, the quality and experience he brings are invaluable,” Agarkar said. “These T20Is are meant to get him back into international cricket and prepare him for high-intensity games ahead.”
Shami has been rebuilding his form through domestic cricket, with notable performances in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His match haul of seven wickets in Bengal’s Ranji opener and 11 wickets in nine T20 games demonstrate his steady progress.
Team India and England Preparations
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was notably absent from the training session due to personal reasons but is expected to join the team later. Meanwhile, the England squad, led by Jos Buttler, opted for a rest day and will commence practice on Monday.
India’s series opener against England marks an important step in their preparation for the Champions Trophy, with Shami’s fitness and form a key focus for the team.
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Mohammed Shami, Team India, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Indian cricket, Jasprit Bumrah injury, Ajit Agarkar, Morne Morkel, England cricket team, T20I series, India vs England