Shami's Current Form Raises Bats for Champion's Trophy Call

As the count down to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy increases, one name that is on everyone's lips among cricket fans is India's pacer, Mohammed Shami. He is known for his deadly pace and accuracy with the ball. He is proving that his versatility is not just about bowling alone. The 34-year-old is making a strong case for himself in India's Champions Trophy squad, courtesy of his great form with both the ball and the bat, despite fitness concerns.

Shami's fitness has been a subject of discussion more often than not, and questions regarding his availability for big tournaments. However, the recent outings have put such thoughts at bay. After recovery from heel injury, Shami has been pretty active in domestic cricket and played for Bengal in various tournaments such as Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His contributions have been noteworthy not just as a bowler but also as a middle-order batsman, showing a new dimension to his game.

One of Shami’s most memorable moments in recent domestic cricket came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he stepped up to bat at number 8 against Madhya Pradesh. With Bengal struggling at 227/7, Shami played a remarkable cameo, blasting 42 runs off just 34 balls. His explosive innings featured five boundaries and a six, lifting his team's total to a competitive 269 runs in the 50 overs. This came at a stunning strike rate of over 123, showcasing his ability to turn the game around in a short time.

This performance adds to Shami's growing reputation as a valuable lower-order batsman. He was in the news earlier during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after making a quickfire 32 off just 17 balls against Chandigarh. He did an assault on Sandeep Sharma, taking 19 runs off one over. His consistency at the bat has raised some eyebrows as India's bowling contingent never had any reputation for batting prowess. Shami’s batting exploits, coupled with his usual stellar bowling performances, could be the factor that works in his favor when the selectors gather to choose the Champions Trophy squad.

Despite missing a few games due to his knee injury, Shami has been in decent form this season. He returned to the Ranji Trophy with a four-wicket haul, and then, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he collected 11 wickets from nine games. That is a lot of all-round performance, hard to ignore and added weight to his case for selection in the Champions Trophy squad.

Adding batting strength to his armory, he is proved to be a more useful asset to the Indian team. Whatever their bowling unit lacks India is, the big hits which their opponents accord them, Shami can make up that loss with the bat because whenever big hits are demanded from the Indian players, his all-round contributions are likely to help with doubling the depth of the batting lineup and giving flexibility to the team when it is needed.

However, fitness remains a pertinent issue in the selectors' minds concerning Shami. His absence in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, courtesy of the knee injury he sustained, raised the fragility of his fitness issues. On 19th February 2025, in the Champions Trophy, Shami will face another litmus test. The selectors would have to take into consideration the fitness concerns he has so far before confirming the final deal.

In this respect, as the Champions Trophy looms close, Shami has certainly firmed up his position in being taken into the final squad. As a combination of fast bowler and an aggressive batsman, he does look like one good weapon in any format of cricket. He hopes that whatever may be his future performances in the domestic tournaments may be able to get him the final position before the very keenly anticipated event.

Concisely, there is little of concern regarding the fitness factor since Shami played both bat as well as bowl commendably. The real strength for having him in Champions Trophy squad rests in his brilliant performances under immense pressure while coming out as quite aggressive in bat. As the date for the Champions Trophy draws nearer, all will be eyes fixed on Shami as he knocks on the selection door once more.