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In a highly anticipated comeback, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is set to feature in an ODI against Pakistan after a long gap of ten years. The last time Shami played against the arch-rivals in the 50-over format was in 2015. His return comes at a crucial time as India gears up for a significant clash in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Shami, known for his lethal pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, has impressive numbers against Pakistan in ODIs. In the three matches he has played, he has taken five wickets, with his best bowling figures being 4/35 at an average of 21.40. His return from injury has been remarkable, as he made a strong comeback in an ICC event, securing 5/53 against Bangladesh and reaching the milestone of 200 ODI wickets.
Will It Be A Good Return?
Shami’s resurgence followed an extensive rehabilitation period during which he worked hard in domestic cricket, playing across formats for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Despite being plagued by injuries throughout his career, he has consistently bounced back. During the 2015 World Cup, he played through painkiller injections and finished as the fourth-highest wicket-taker, with 17 wickets in seven matches. However, injuries kept him out of the 2017 Champions Trophy, and between 2015 and 2019, he managed to play only five ODIs.
Nevertheless, Shami has repeatedly proved his mettle on the big stage. In the 2019 World Cup, he claimed 14 wickets in four matches at an average of around 13, and in the 2023 edition, he was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in seven matches at a staggering average of 10.70. His sensational run was cut short by an ankle injury, which led to an extended period of rehabilitation, where he battled fitness concerns and self-doubt. His determination saw him return to international cricket in Dubai, where he broke records and reestablished himself in the Indian squad.
Shami’s return adds much-needed experience to India’s bowling attack, which is set to miss the services of Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Champions Trophy. The absence of Bumrah puts additional responsibility on young pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, neither of whom has played an ODI against Pakistan. While Arshdeep has some experience in T20Is, having taken seven wickets in four matches against them, his ability to replicate that success in the longer format remains to be seen.
Powerful Bowling Line Up
Alongside Shami, India’s bowling attack will rely on Kuldeep Yadav, who has been a key performer against Pakistan with 12 wickets in six matches. His best performance came when he recorded figures of 5/25. With an impressive average of 14.16 and an economy rate of 3.77, he will be a vital weapon in India’s arsenal. Additionally, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya have had impactful outings against Pakistan. Jadeja has taken 12 wickets in 12 matches while also contributing with the bat, including a half-century. Pandya, known for his aggressive batting, has two fifties against Pakistan, including a crucial 87 in the 2023 Asia Cup and a counter-attacking 76 off 43 balls in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. As a bowler, he has picked up eight wickets against Pakistan at an average of 26.87.
India’s squad also features several bowlers who are yet to play an ODI against Pakistan, including Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and Washington Sundar. This makes India’s bowling lineup relatively untested against their fierce rivals. However, Shami’s return injects experience and leadership into the attack, which will be crucial in handling the high-pressure encounter.
As the much-awaited clash approaches, Shami’s comeback offers India a major boost. His ability to strike with the new ball and deliver breakthroughs at crucial junctures will be invaluable. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, the Indian team will aim to make a strong statement against Pakistan in their bid for glory in the Champions Trophy.
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