Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has questioned Mohammed Shami readiness for ICC Champions Trophy. The veteran pacer, who made his comeback in the 50-over format for the first time in IND vs ENG series, is yet to bowl his complete quota of ten overs. Citing Shami’s speed, Chopra noted that he wasn’t bowling well currently.
Shami not ready for Champions Trophy?
Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra drew a parallel between Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar over the speed at which the former was bowling at. Pointing out that Bumrah’s absence was hurting India, the ex-India opener noted that Shami had not hit the top gear yet. He claimed that Shami’s pace was slightly depleted and compared it to out-of-favour pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to explain how it was different.
“The truth is that Bumrah’s absence is hurting. Based on what we have seen thus far, it seems like our fast bowling is our weak link. If you see Mohammed Shami’s comeback, he has not hit top gear yet. The pace is slightly depleted. Bhuvneshwar Kumar at 132 kph is going to be outstanding because he is very sharp at 132 kph. However, if Mohammed Shami bowls at 132 kph, he looks a little below his best because his bowling style is getting the ball to move at 137 or 138 kph. That brings the best out of Shami,” Chopra said.
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Further, he pointed out that captain Rohit Sharma not asking Shami to bowl 10 overs was a problem. Chopra pointed out that the veteran pacer was leaking runs and asked when will he be ready for Champions Trophy if he does not fulfill his quota of 10 overs. Further, the ex-India opener claimed that Shami was a little far from his best.
“Shami is not bowling that well currently. If Adil Rashid hits him for three consecutive fours, you say he is not ready yet. He is leaking runs. The captain is not getting him to bowl 10 overs, and that is my problem. If you don’t get him to bowl 10 overs, when will he get ready? He is a little far from his best,” Chopra added.
Shami in IND vs ENG ODI series
In two games in IND vs ENG ODI series, Shami has bowled 7.5 overs and 8 overs. In both the innings, he has only managed to get one wicket each while conceding 38 and 66 runs respectively. Amid the uncertainty over Bumrah for CT 2025, Shami is expected to spearhead the Indian pace attack. However, doubts over his fitness have fuelled speculations on his ability to deliver at the big stage.
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