Lakshmipathy Balaji admitted that the India National Cricket Team suffered a major setback with Jasprit Bumrah ruling out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But Balaji feels India should not be much worried about Jasprit Bumrah’s absence as Mohammed Shami is there to do the job.
Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a lingering back injury. However, the Men in Blue have a silver lining in the form of Mohammed Shami, who is set to lead the attack in the prestigious tournament after making a comeback in the recent England series.
Lakshmipathy Balaji feels Mohammed Shami can outperform Jasprit Bumrah again
With his wealth of experience and proven match-winning ability, Shami could be India’s game-changer in the ICC event once again. Lakshmipathy Balaji mentioned that before Jasprit Bumrah’s emergence, it was Mohammed Shami who led India’s pace attack across the format and conditions.
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The former pacer believes that Shami can still do a great job in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence for India at the ICC Champions Trophy. Balaji recalled Shami’s performance as the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he scalped 24 wickets in just seven matches.
Even in the 2019 ODI World Cup, despite playing only four games, the seasoned Bengal pacer has picked up 14 wickets—just four short of Bumrah, who played nine matches during the Men in Blue’s heartbreaking semifinal exit. Balaji believes that Shami’s early breakthroughs with the new ball will be crucial to India’s success in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Mohammed Shami has to come good with the new ball: Lakshmipathy Balaji
Lakshmipathy Balaji was quoted as saying by PTI: “Actually, Shami had out-bowled Bumrah in the 2019 ODI World Cup and in the last World Cup in 2023. Bumrah is the champion bowler across formats. But Shami has the experience.
And Bumrah’s arrival, it was Shami who carried India’s attack all through. I think it’s very 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 six overs with the new ball, it will play a crucial role for India.”
The only concern surrounding Shami is whether he has fully regained his rhythm. After suffering an ankle injury, there have been signs of slight rustiness during the recent white-ball series against England at home as well as during the domestic matches.
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Can Shami deliver for India despite slowness?
However, Balaji remains confident that Shami has the experience and skill to shake off any lingering effects and return to his lethal best for India at the Champions Trophy 2025.
Balaji signed off by saying, “Since that (ankle) injury has 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 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.”