File image of Mohammed Shami batting.© PTI
While his fitness could be an issue, India pacer Mohammed Shami continues to ensure performance will not be a factor in his selection for India's 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad. After recovering from his heel injury, Shami has now been playing domestically for two months cricket, actively playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. In these games, Shami has shown that he can not only be a reliable bowler but can also hold his own with the bat when required.
In a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, Shami came in at number 8 and hit a handy knock of 42 in just 34 balls, at a strike rate of over 123. He hit five boundaries and a six in his innings, Bengal helping post a respectable total of 269 in 50 overs.
It is a follow-up to his impressive cameo with the bat during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, when he had hit 32 off just 17 balls against Chandigarh, including hitting seasoned campaigner Sandeep Sharma for 19 runs in one over.
Despite Shami playing almost regular domestic cricket, a flare-up on his knee prevented the 34-year-old pacer from being considered for selection for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It also made him miss a few matches for Bengal at the start of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Overall, though, Shami has had good contact. He picked up four wickets in his Ranji comeback and went on to take 11 wickets in nine Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches.
Now, his performance with the bat might just tilt the balance in his favour. Since the Indian bowling unit is not a popular name with the bat, Shami's performance could help him when Ajit Agarkar and the rest of the selection committee sit down to pick the squad for the Champions Trophy.
However, the biggest question mark over his inclusion still remains his suitability. The Champions Trophy starts on February 19, with India's first match a day later.
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