New Delhi, May 3 – Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, currently representing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has not met the expectations of team management and fans, delivering a string of underwhelming performances this season.

In a crucial match against Gujarat Titans on Friday, Shami conceded 48 runs in just three overs, raising serious questions about his rhythm and readiness for the upcoming international fixtures. As per agency report, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra observed that Shami appears to be out of form, and it remains to be seen how he performs in the forthcoming Test series against England, beginning on June 20.

The match against Gujarat was vital for Hyderabad to stay in the playoff race, but Shami failed to make an impact with the new ball or control the flow of runs. Having missed the 2024 season due to a heel injury, there were high hopes for a strong comeback. However, in nine matches this season, Shami has taken just six wickets, averaging 56.17 with an economy rate of 11.23, well below his usual standards.

Chopra noted that Shami's lackluster performance continued in Ahmedabad, where he was heavily punished by the Gujarat Titans' batters. He stressed that the IPL respects performance over reputation, and currently, Shami is not commanding the respect typically associated with his bowling. According to Chopra, Shami is known for his disciplined lines and lengths, which usually make it difficult for batters to hit sixes, often restricting them to boundaries through drives and cuts. However, that sharpness seems to be missing this season.

With the IPL concluding soon, India's focus will shift to the England tour, which also marks the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. India has not won a Test series in England since 2007, and Shami's current form adds a layer of concern about his role in this critical campaign.

Chopra also raised questions about Shami’s fitness and pointed out that his absence was deeply felt during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Jasprit Bumrah carried the bowling attack in that series, all eyes will now be on Shami to assess whether he can regain his edge in time for the high-stakes England tour.

Dubai, March 5 – Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami acknowledged the increased responsibility he bears as the team’s lead pacer in the ongoing Champions Trophy, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Speaking after India's four-wicket victory against Australia in the semifinal, Shami admitted that he is striving to regain his full rhythm to meet the team’s expectations. As per agency reports, Shami, who recently returned from an ankle injury, has taken eight wickets in the tournament so far and has been opening the bowling alongside either Harshit Rana or all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

With Rana still relatively new to international cricket and Pandya typically not bowling full quotas in one-day matches, Shami has had to take on a greater workload. He expressed his commitment to giving more than his hundred percent, particularly with two key fast bowlers missing from the squad. He emphasized that when a team has only one specialist pacer, it becomes essential for that bowler to lead from the front and deliver breakthroughs.

Shami suffered an ankle injury during the 2023 World Cup, which kept him out for a significant period. However, he now feels prepared to bowl longer spells when needed. He stressed that players should not overthink their fitness but instead focus on pushing their limits and observing how their body responds to the workload. He reiterated his readiness to bowl extended spells, adding that while shorter spells are easier, in limited-overs cricket, the total number of overs bowled matters more than individual spell length.

The Indian team has played all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, which, according to Shami, has worked to their advantage. He noted that having all matches at a single venue has allowed the team to thoroughly understand the pitch and conditions, contributing to their strong performances. With the final now in sight, Shami remains focused on delivering match-winning performances and leading India’s bowling attack in the tournament’s most crucial stage.

Dubai, February 20: Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has opened up about the fears he faced during his recovery from a severe ankle injury, admitting that there were moments when he thought his international career might be over. However, his unwavering desire to play for India again kept him going through the tough phase.

Shami sustained the ankle injury during the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2023, which required surgery. Adding to the complications, he also experienced swelling in his left knee, which forced him to stay away from international cricket for a challenging 14-month period.

Reflecting on his journey, Shami told the International Cricket Council (ICC), "After such a great form during the World Cup, finding myself suddenly on the operating table was a tough blow. It was an incredibly difficult phase to go through."

The 34-year-old bowler admitted that the initial two months of recovery were filled with doubts and uncertainties, as the long break from cricket tested his mental resilience. "There were times when I questioned whether I would ever play again. An injury like this, coupled with a 14-month absence, can truly test your spirit," he added.

Shami made a successful comeback to international cricket earlier this month, playing two T20s and two ODIs against England. With Jasprit Bumrah still out due to injury, Shami now shoulders the responsibility of leading India’s bowling attack in the Champions Trophy.

Recounting his rehabilitation journey, Shami said, "My first question to the doctor was about how long it would take for me to return to the field. The doctor emphasized a gradual approach—first walking, then jogging, and eventually running. Playing competitive cricket seemed like a distant dream at that time."

Transitioning from an active cricketer to being dependent on crutches was a mentally challenging experience for Shami. He shared, "I constantly wondered when I would be able to put my foot on the ground again. The thought of walking again felt like a monumental task."

When doctors finally allowed him to place his foot on the ground, Shami described the moment as terrifying, saying, "I had never been so afraid to take a step. It felt as if I was learning to walk again, like a child taking their first steps. The fear of things going wrong was always there."

Throughout his recovery, it was Shami’s strong desire to represent India again that fueled his motivation. "The unyielding wish to wear the Indian jersey once more kept me going. It was this drive that helped me overcome every challenge," he concluded.

Now, as Shami prepares for the Champions Trophy, fans and critics alike are looking forward to seeing his trademark pace and swing on the international stage, hoping he can replicate his pre-injury form and lead India’s pace attack to glory.

Bengaluru, February 17 – Mohammed Shami, with his magical right hand and deceptive wrist movements, has troubled the world's best batsmen. However, as India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy, the big question remains—can he help India win the title after 12 years in the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah?

With Bumrah ruled out due to injury, Indian fans are hoping Shami will rise to the occasion and fill the void in the pace attack. India's campaign begins on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai, and concerns remain over Shami’s fitness and match readiness.

The 34-year-old pacer is making a comeback after an injury and, despite playing matches at different levels and formats, the pressure of a major ICC event is a different challenge altogether. His workload is set to increase, with Arshdeep Singh as his new-ball partner, but the young left-armer is yet to reach Bumrah’s caliber.

Former Indian fast bowler Laxmipathy Balaji believes that Shami's experience will be crucial in handling this challenge.

"Shami outperformed Bumrah in the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2023 edition. While Bumrah is an all-format champion, Shami has always been the spearhead of India's pace attack, even before Bumrah’s arrival," said Balaji.

He further emphasized that Shami's performance with the new ball in the first six overs will be key to India's success. "If he can deliver early breakthroughs, India's morale will be significantly boosted," he added.

Apart from taking wickets, Shami will also be mentoring young pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana in the bowling unit.

"Shami is now the leader of the bowling attack. Over the last 12 years, he has been a standout performer, especially in Test cricket. Now, he must embrace his role as a guide for the younger bowlers," Balaji concluded.

As India gears up for the Champions Trophy, Shami's form and leadership will be critical in their quest to reclaim the prestigious title.

New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) In a concerning development for the Indian team, pace spearhead Mohammad Shami is likely to miss the first two matches of the upcoming five-Test series against England, set to commence on January 25, as the pacer is yet to resume bowling following an ankle injury, say reports.

Shami has not started bowling, and he will need to go to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to demonstrate his fitness, according to Indian Express report.

The pacer was included in the Test squad against South Africa but his availability was subject to fitness. The BCCI later in a press release stated that Shami has not been cleared by the Medical Team and the fast bowler was ruled out of the two Tests.

In another setback, world no 1 T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav, who led India in the T20Is in South Africa in December, is suffering from hernia and will undergo surgery.

The BCCI is consulting specialists regarding Yadav’s hernia and he is likely to be sent abroad for surgery. The batter is expected to be completely fit by the time of the IPL, the report said.

“Shami hasn’t even started to bowl, he will have to go to NCA and prove his fitness. He looks doubtful for the first two Tests against England. Whereas in Yadav’s case he will take more time than expected. After his hernia operation it might take up to eight-nine weeks for him to start training. Hopefully he will be fit during the IPL,” a source in the Indian board informed," a source told Indian Express.

Given the availability of fellow fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, the BCCI may incline towards a cautious approach in Shami's return.

Dharamshala, Oct 23 (IANS) Though Mohammed Shami wasn’t in India’s playing eleven for the first four games of 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, the veteran pacer was straightaway impactful in his maiden match, taking a superb 5-54 to play a crucial role in the hosts’ winning against New Zealand by four wickets in an engrossing top-of-the-table clash.

After the match ended, Shami, who also became the first India bowler to pick two five-wicket hauls in Men’s ODI World Cups, stated he always felt one should not have any guilty feeling over not being a part of the playing eleven when the side is performing well.

“All the wickets are good. When you play for the country, I feel every wicket is important for you. They say that every point (scalp) in building of wickets that you compile is useful. As such, I don't like any particular wicket more (each wicket is valuable); I enjoy all my wickets.”

“I was watching everything on the bench. I will do something only when I am given the chance. But yes, it is very important. When you are not playing, it is very difficult.”

“But if your team is performing, your boys are moving in a rhythm, then I don't think you should feel guilty sitting outside. Because you are also a part of the team and a part of the World Cup. I think everyone should enjoy each other’s success,” said Shami in post-match press conference.

Shami has been an integral member of the Indian team since his debut in 2013, but with Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the playing eleven, he had to sit on the sidelines.

A left ankle injury to Hardik meant a change in combination and Shami came in for Thakur to boost India’s fast-bowling options, which he did by ratting New Zealand in the start and in back-end of the innings.

“Personally, I keep my outlook as – you keep enjoying. Because in India the biggest sport is cricket. The biggest place is the place where you are sitting. It's not necessary to be there (in playing XI). You have 15 players. Four of them have to stay out. So, by being positive and enjoying, I feel you will get more results.”

“So, I always think to myself, I am not here today, I will be here tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then day after tomorrow. They do come in rotation. And when your time comes, you contribute for the team. I think in that way that the one who is performing now, be happy with that. That's it,” added Shami.

Table-toppers India have some time off before they next take on defending champions England at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday and Shami felt the team will be in touch with the game during the rest period.

“See, first of all, recovery is very important. When you play continuous matches, recovery becomes very important. But you think, or the outside world thinks, that cricketers get separated when they rest for eight days - that's not true.”

“Cricketers can't be separated because you always want to be better and better. So, there are always some activities related to cricket. Practice activities, some games, football. You keep playing. So, it's important as there's no off. There's never an off.”

Dharamshala, Oct 22 (IANS) Indian pacer Mohammad Shami on Sunday scripted history, becoming the only Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul twice in the ICC ODI World Cup as India bundled out New Zealand for 273 at Dharamshala, on Sunday.

Shami, playing his first match in the 2023 edition of the ICC Men's World Cup, ended his spell with impressive figures of 5-54 in 10 overs, sending the stumps for a walk for his last two wickets. 

On Sunday, Shami picked the wickets of Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryll Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry.

The 33-year-old bowler made a perfect start on his return to World Cup cricket, taking out the bails to claim Will Young of an inside edge on his first delivery.

Though New Zealand recovered thanks to a 159-run partnership, Shami provided India the much-needed breakthrough in the 34th over when he sent young Rachin Ravindra back to the pavilion, as Shubhman Gill pouched an easy catch.

He then cleaned up Santner with a searing yorker in the 48th over to claim his third wicket and followed it by an inswinging full delivery to pick pierce through the bat-pad gap left by Matt Henry.

Shami went on to complete his five-wicket haul by dismissing centurion Daryll Mitchell on the penultimate ball of the innings. Mitchell departed after scoring 130 runs off 127 balls, becoming the first Blackcaps batter to hit a century against India in ODI World Cups in 48 years.