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New Zealand's victory over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday made India one of the first teams to guarantee a place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. With their resounding victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan, Rohit Sharma's team has dominated the competition thus far. The outcome on Monday made it clear that both India and New Zealand would be heading to the knockout stage. But despite the steady play, questions were raised about Mohammed Shami's fitness, India's pace attack leader. Shami clutched his ankle and left the field after his opening spell in the crucial match against Pakistan, prompting concerns about his fitness. Fans were alarmed to see India's most seasoned pacer leave the field, especially as Jasprit Bumrah had already been ruled out of the tournament.
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Shami's discomfort was noticeable even though he returned to the field and bowled eight overs, giving up 43 runs without taking a wicket. After destroying Bangladesh with a five-wicket haul in India's tournament opener, the pacer had been in outstanding form. His availability continues to be a key component of India's hopes of winning the championship as the knockout stages get near. Although Shami was reassured by Shreyas Iyer during the press conference after the game that he was 'fine'. The fact that he hobbled off in the middle of the play has caused much controversy on whether India should risk their best fast bowler in the final group encounter against New Zealand.
Darren Gough on Mohammed Shami
Darren Gough, a former pacer for England, has firmly suggested India's team management to take it easy with Shami. Gough thinks there is no need to take any undue chances with Shami's fitness because India has already guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals. Given the circumstances in Dubai, he recommended that India choose to use an extra spinner and rest their strike bowler for the last group match.
"They probably should rest him. They've got the confidence against Pakistan. When you've got a batting lineup like that, you can afford to bring someone else in; bring another spinner in Dubai. The pitch is not as flat as in Lahore, so you can bring another spinner. We saw Hardik Pandya bowling brilliantly, so I would expect India to rest him," Gough told Hindustan Times.
Gough on India's chances in the Champions Trophy
Former England pacer Darren Gough has backed India to get to the final and win the coveted trophy in spite of persistent worries. India has shown a level of dominance worthy of champions, he said, praising the team's perfect balance and highlighting the batting order for its outstanding performances.
"India look very strong, I'm not going to lie. They looked very strong in the ODIs against England and started off with two terrific performances (in Champions Trophy). South Africa and New Zealand look pretty strong and solid. (New Zealand) are without Boult and Southee, and Lockie Ferguson as well, so when you got those three out, I thought we couldn't be too sure about New Zealand, but they have started pretty well," said Gough.
"India and New Zealand have qualified. South Africa, I think, would definitely go. I tipped Afghanistan, and they've got to win now. I think they've got an upset in them. If I were to say who is going to win it, I will say India. They look pretty solid. If you look at their batting, you don't see a weakness. Jasprit Bumrah, the best bowler in the world, is not playing for India. And they still look too strong for everybody else," he added
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