Former India player Aakash Chopra has applauded Mohammad Shami for bowling an important spell in the Men in Blue’s 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal win against Australia. He added that the veteran seamer hasn’t won even a single ICC trophy despite having a great record in global events as well. However, Shami registered figures of 3/48 in 10 overs as Team India bowled Australia out for 264 in the first semi-final of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4 as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra’, he said, “Mohammad Shami dismissed Cooper Connolly at the start and after that, Steve Smith. We were feeling scared of Steve Smith. He was batting extremely well. Who sent him to the pavilion – Mohammad Shami,” he said (13:00).”He picked up three wickets. Let me tell you one more thing. Shami has not won an ICC trophy to date. Mr ICC without an ICC trophy, should not be. So that might change on March 9,” Chopra added.

ALSO READ: “Aap Lucknow ke naye nawab hain” – Aakash Chopra on Rishabh Pant’s appointment as LSG captain

Aakash Chopra also appreciated Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakaravarthy for being Team India’s most successful spinner in 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final as well.

“The spin pair was different this time – Jadeja and Varun Chakaravarthy. Travis Head got chances at the start, but who dismissed him – Varun Chakaravarthy. He didn’t do just that one job, he also came later to pick up a wicket. He is just absolutely brilliant. Who took two wickets one after the other – Ravindra Jadeja,” he said.

“So we are regularly getting different, different heroes in this team, and that is the beauty of this. Kuldeep Yadav hasn’t really done that well, but no issues. Varun came here. He picked up a five-wicket haul in the last match and took two wickets here as well. Ravindra Jadeja was looking maybe, maybe not types, so take this. He got Josh Inglis and a set Marnus Labuschagne out. He picked up important wickets,” Aakash Chopra concluded.