India ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma backed veteran speedster Mohammed Shami after his ordinary show in the T20I series against England. Shami who made his international comeback in the five-match T20I series against England managed to pick just three wickets in two matches. Before making his international comeback, the 34-year-old pacer was featured in India’s domestic season.
While asked whether Rohit was fazed by Shami's performance in the recent outing, the Indian skipper backed the speedster by recalling his performance in the ODI World Cup 2023.
“He has been playing cricket for the past 10-12 years and has performed for the team. You look at the World Cup and how he bowled then.
“In domestic cricket, if a few games didn't pan out the way he would've thought, then that doesn't mean he isn't a good bowler. He has won us so many games, picked so many wickets, it is crucial to keep that in mind” said Rohit Sharma ahead of ODI series against England.
Shami was unplayable during his ODI World Cup 2023, the speedster came into India's playing XI after Hardik Pandya's injury and ended the tournament as the highest wicket taker with 24 scalps in seven outings.
After featuring in the T20Is, the speedster is all set to feature in three match ODI series against England which will be India's last white ball assignment before Champions Trophy 2025. After featuring against England the speedster will travel to Dubai alongside Rohit Sharma-led side for the Champions Trophy.
Champions Trophy 2025 will start from February 19 and the tournament will be played in hybrid model, the matches will be played in Dubai and Pakistan. One of the semifinals and matches featuring India will take place in Dubai and the rest of the matches will be played in Pakistan's Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. The venue for the final also depends on India's performance, if the Rohit-led side qualifies for the title decider it will take place in Dubai otherwise Pakistan's Lahore will host the summit clash. Team India will start their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.