Champions Trophy: Mohammed Shami to lead India's Bumrah-less pace attack
What's the story
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has shown faith in the team's lead fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, ahead of the Champions Trophy.
This comes after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the squad due to injury.
Despite Bumrah's absence, Team India is still hopeful about the upcoming tournament that starts on February 19.
Here we discuss why Shami would be citical to India's success in the tourney.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Shami will be keen to showcase his mettle once again in the mega tourney.
The last ICC ODI event, the 2023 World Cup, saw Shami bowl one breathtaking spell after another.
The pacer, who was benched for the first four matches in the league stage, returned to the scheme of things and played a pivotal role in India's run to the final.
He belongs to a rare breed of pacers who can take wickets across phases.
Comeback
Shami's return boosts team morale ahead of Champions Trophy
The return of Shami has certainly lifted the team's spirits as he is a proven star of the format.
After a break following India's 2023 World Cup final defeat to Australia, Shami overcame a heel injury and made his international comeback only last month.
Gambhir lauded Shami as a "world-class bowler" and said he was confident that he would do well in the upcoming tournament.
Strategy
Shami's performance and workload management
After his return, Shami picked five wickets across four outings in T20Is and ODIs combined.
Gambhir revealed they were managing his workload to keep him fresh for the Champions Trophy.
He said, "That's the reason why we played him two T20s and two one-dayers. Hopefully, he's going to be fresh and ready to go in the Champions Trophy."
This strategy highlights India's preparation for the tournament sans Bumrah.
Tourney
Shami's stellar performance in 2023 World Cup
Shami was on fire in the 2023 WC, taking 24 wickets in just seven matches at 10.70. This includs three fifers and a four-fer.
Despite India's ultimate disappointment of not clinching the World Cup title, Shami's contribution was significant.
His ability to perform under pressure underscored his resilience and skill, qualities that have consistently defined his career as one of India's top fast bowlers.
Stats
200 ODI wickets loading for Shami
In 103 ODIs, Shami owns 197 wickets at an average of 23.96.
The tally includes 10 four-fers and five fifers. Though the pacer is yet to make his CT debut, his ODI WC record is phenomenal.
Across 18 matches in the tourney, he owns 55 scalps at 13.52, as per Cricbuzz. His strike rate is a phenomenal 15.81 (5W: 4).
Shami owns the most four-wicket hauls or more (8) in ODI WCs.