Laxmipathy Balaji feels Mohammed Shami can lead India’s bowling attack in the forthcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. With Bumrah out of action because of a back injury, the selectors chose a pace three of Shami, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, with the services of all-rounder Hardik Pandya likely to be contributed as well.
Despite Shami’s underwhelming return to international cricket during the England series—where he managed just two wickets in two matches—Balaji remains confident in his ability to step up on the big stage. Speaking to PTI, the former Indian pacer highlighted how Shami had outperformed Bumrah in terms of wickets in both the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. He believes that Shami’s role with the new ball will be crucial to India’s success in the Champions Trophy.
“Actually, he out-bowled Bumrah in the 2019 (50-over World Cup) and in the previous World Cup (2023). Bumhra is a champion bowler in all forms, but Shami has experience. Prior to Bumrah’s arrival, it was Shami who led India’s attack,” Laxmipathy Balaji stated.
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Laxmipathy Balaji emphasized the importance of Shami’s early breakthroughs, stating that if India hopes to perform well, Shami must strike with the new ball. “The kind of impact he can make in his first six overs will be crucial for India. The old ball is more of a defensive game now, so making early inroads will give India a significant advantage,” he added.
Shami’s record in ICC tournaments speaks for itself—he claimed 14 wickets in the 2019 World Cup and an impressive 24 in 2023. Balaji sees him as the leader of the pace attack and believes his early wickets will ease the pressure on the relatively inexperienced Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.
“Shami has been the pack leader for a long period now. If you compare what he has done in 12 years of overseas cricket, particularly in Tests, it’s extraordinary. Now, if he begins to deliver with the new ball, the morale boost that the other bowlers will receive is huge,” Laxmipathy Balaji reasoned.
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India will begin their Champions Trophy against Bangladesh on February 20. With training already underway following the arrival of the team in Dubai, all eyes will be on Shami to spearhead the attack in the absence of their top fast bowler.
