Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has taken on greater responsibility in the pace department, particularly after making his comeback from a long injury layoff. With the 2025 Champions Trophy in sight, Shami is focusing on regaining his rhythm and ensuring he delivers consistently for the team. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, he has been leading India’s fast-bowling attack, partnering with either Harshit Rana or Hardik Pandya to share the new-ball duties.
This situation has posed challenges, as Rana is still gaining experience at the international level, while Pandya, an all-rounder, is not a specialist ODI pacer expected to bowl full spells regularly. As a result, Shami has had to shoulder additional responsibility, stepping up as India’s primary strike bowler. Despite the increased pressure, he has risen to the occasion, already claiming eight wickets in the tournament.
“I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more for the team. It is a responsibility when there are no two proper fast bowlers, and I have to shoulder more responsibility,” Shami shared after India’s hard-fought four-wicket win over Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal.
Increased Workload in Bumrah’s Absence
Shami acknowledged that Bumrah’s absence has significantly added to his workload. Normally, Bumrah’s presence in the bowling attack would provide stability and relieve some of the burden, but without him, Shami has had to work even harder. This has required him to maintain a high level of intensity and focus throughout his spells.
“There is a load when you are the one main fast bowler and the other is an all-rounder. You have to pick wickets and lead from the front. I have become used to this load and am trying my best to make it easy for others and give more than 100 per cent,” he explained.
His return to international cricket follows a lengthy recovery from an ankle injury suffered during the 2023 ODI World Cup, which kept him out for over a year. Now fully fit, Shami has embraced the challenge of bowling longer spells, proving his determination to contribute to the team’s success despite the added physical strain.
“The trust debate ends when you get selected in the team. I don’t think one should worry about fitness too much. We just need to put in the effort and see how the body responds. I am now ready to bowl long spells. Short spells are anyways easy—six or 12 balls—and in limited-overs cricket, it doesn’t matter whether it’s 10 or six overs,” he added.
Adjusting to Conditions in Dubai
Throughout the Champions Trophy, Shami’s workload has varied based on match situations. He bowled his full quota of 10 overs in critical matches against Bangladesh and Australia, showing his endurance and ability to handle long spells. However, in earlier games against Pakistan and New Zealand, he bowled shorter spells of eight and four overs, respectively.
The 34-year-old also highlighted the advantage of playing all of India’s matches at a single venue in Dubai. According to him, the consistent playing conditions have played a key role in helping him regain his rhythm and adapt his bowling strategies effectively.
“It has definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch. It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue. The main thing is to gauge the conditions and know how the pitch behaves because you are playing at one venue and you can get to know it well,” Shami concluded.
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