After the disappointing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, India has shifted its focus towards the upcoming 2024-25 ICC Champions Trophy, with the BCCI and national selectors working on a strategy to finalize the team for the prestigious tournament.
India find themselves in a tough spot in finalizing the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2024-25, having played just three ODI matches in 2024. Although the team looks largely settled in the ODI format, the lack of form Talking makes things difficult for the team. Determinants.
Jasprit Bumrah's fitness doubts could potentially force India to consider Mohammed Shami for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
However, the Men in Blue are scheduled to face England in a three-match ODI series at home in February, but these matches will be played after the January 12 Champions Trophy team selection deadline set by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The BCCI will reportedly announce the squad for both the bilateral series (five T20Is and three ODIs against England at home) and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2024-25 at the same time. However, there won't be many surprises in the ODI teams.
Meanwhile, RevSportz journalists have revealed some interesting details about the Indian think tank regarding the Champions Trophy team selection. They revealed that if Jasprit Bumrah misses out, Mohammed Shami could lead India's pace attack in the next big event, which will be held in Pakistan and UAE (India matches only).
Mohamed El-Shami has yet to get the green light, which is doubtful for CT 2025
In a video shared on the RevSportz Indian YouTube channel, the journalist also claimed that Mohammed Shami is still not on India's comeback radar at the moment, having last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final last November due to an ankle injury. infection. However, Shami's ongoing fitness concerns raise questions about his rush to return to action and it has cost them dearly.
However, if Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy, the selectors will have no choice but to bring Mohammed Shami back into the international arena. The RevSportz journalist also claimed that Shami is likely to be named in India's white-ball squad for England's upcoming home match, but everything depends on his fitness and form.
After recovering from a heel injury, Mohammed Shami has been playing domestic cricket for the past two months, representing Bengal in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 34-year-old performed well, taking four wickets in his Ranji Trophy return and 11 wickets in nine matches during the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Kuldeep Yadav is expected to regain his fitness by January 20
Meanwhile, Indian wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's fitness is also uncertain after his recent surgery, but he remains the team's preferred choice for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. If 30-year-old Kuldeep Yadav is not fit, Ravi Bishnoi is likely to get the Opportunity.
However, the journalist revealed that Kuldeep Yadav is likely to regain full fitness by January 20. If the player passes the fitness test and gets clearance from the NRL medical team, Kuldeep Yadav will surely be selected to participate in the upcoming England Championship and Champions Trophy. 2025 as well.
Given Kuldeep Yadav's impressive performances in the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, he will be given priority in ODIs, according to the reporter. It is also reported that Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav will undergo fitness tests very soon, and their selection for England's ODI squad is on the cards, but their participation will be subject to fitness.