"Shami & Kuldeep Are Ready, Hope They Find Their Rhythm" – Rohit Sharma Ahead of Champions Trophy Opener
Dubai [UAE], February 20: India captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed that veteran pacer Mohammed Shami and star spinner Kuldeep Yadav are fully fit and available for India’s opening match against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Thursday.
India will look to reclaim Champions Trophy glory after falling short in 2017, when they suffered a 180-run defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. However, their campaign will be without the services of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who is sidelined due to a lower back injury.
With Bumrah missing, the return of Shami and Kuldeep provides a much-needed boost to India’s bowling attack. Shami, who spent over a year out due to injury, has recently returned to international cricket, while Kuldeep was sidelined after undergoing hernia surgery and receiving treatment for a chronic groin issue.
“Bowling fitness is fine for Shami. We wanted him to get back into rhythm, and whatever I have seen of him so far is perfect. He has done the job for us over the years. Hopefully, he can find his rhythm in this tournament,” Rohit said at the pre-match press conference.
“Kuldeep has returned after a hernia operation. He looks confident, and if both perform well, it will be great for us,” he added.
The absence of Bumrah means India will rely on a combination of experienced and young bowlers. Shami will be joined by Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya in the pace department, while the spin attack features Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy.
During India’s recent ODI series against England, both Shami and Kuldeep played two matches as part of their comeback, taking two wickets each while working to regain full match fitness.
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
Tags: ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India vs Bangladesh, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Team India, Jasprit Bumrah, Cricket News, Bangladesh Cricket
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