Mohammed Shami's Excellent Performance in Vijay Hazare Trophy Keeps Hope Alive for the Champions Trophy 2025

Slowly and surely emerging talent of Mohammed Shami builds up his chances for being part of the India Squad as he glimmered on the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy where he stole the limbs. Shami once again proved why he is indispensable by snatching three valuable wickets in the preliminary quarter-final match between Haryana and Bengal in the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. This standout performance has given the seasoned fast bowler a significant boost as selectors look to finalize the team for the prestigious tournament.

Shami’s match against Haryana was a pivotal moment in his campaign for the Champions Trophy. He returned with heel inflammation after missing the first games of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Though he could bowl only eight overs in his first two games, he was able to bowl a full 10 overs in this quarter-final game and proved himself fit and ready for the international game. Though Shami went past six runs an over, three wickets did all the difference and proved he was worth a selection as well; performance under pressure made his case to India for Champions Trophy even more valid.

But in the match though Shami put up a wonderful individual performance, Bengal could not win the match for themselves. Haryana may score 298 runs from their 50 overs easily, while Bengal could not make the run chase level and thus lost by 72 runs. Shami didn't come out for the run chase as he went out with 2 runs, but the work in bowling just could not be ignored and of course, an overall performance in the tournament adds more to make him one of India's best fast bowlers.

The 34-year-old fast bowler hasn't been pretty silent about making it to the Champions Trophy, and his work on and off the field testifies to the same. It's almost an axiom that videos of intense ball training by Shami on social media assure he's all set to go. He has shown brilliance in domestic games, and exposure makes him highly likely to enter this squad.

Though Shami has his strengths over a longer distance at home, there is always the uncertainty over the availability of others. Probably a more major thing that India have is on Jasprit Bumrah - they do not quite know where Bumrah's fitness will end; India cannot find an early word about it despite being back. It will mean Shami with the experience that would go on to serve to the hosts during their tight spells if, with time moving day by day Bumrah would be fine before the champions' Trophy to India.

The performances of Shami have made him project the all-rounder of late, and consistencies in domestic as well as international circuit can't be kept aside. He is included into the Indian side in all the formats, nine T20 internationals and now three 50-over games. The performance in Vijay Hazare Trophy would, of course, shine upon his skill and dedication- the two fruitful reasons behind consistency in the scheme of qualification for the Champions Trophy.

The last date for submitting teams for the 2025 Champions Trophy is January 12, 2025 and can be amended up to February 13. And with every tick of the clock, Shami will be waiting with crossed fingers for the final XI based on the excellent performances from the domestic circuit. If his performances in recent games are any measure, Shami is definitely one of those bowlers for whom your eyes must have been glued all the while; and with the prospect of possibly gracing the Champions Trophy, that could prove a game-changer for India's fast-bowling attack.