Thu Jan 09 18:32:53 UTC 2025: ## Shami’s Road to Recovery: Bengal Star Aims for Champions Trophy Return
**Vadodara, India** – Mohammed Shami, the Indian pace ace, is showing promising signs of recovery as he eyes a return to international cricket ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. His performance in Bengal’s Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout match against Haryana has boosted hopes for his comeback.
Shami bowled a full quota of 10 overs for the first time this tournament, claiming three crucial wickets – those of opener Humansu Rana, wicketkeeper Dinesh Bana, and Anshul Kamboj – to finish as Bengal’s leading wicket-taker in their match against Haryana, which they ultimately lost after Haryana scored 289/9. Previously, he had bowled eight overs in each of his last two matches, taking only one wicket each.
Shami’s absence was keenly felt during India’s recent disappointing tour of Australia, where he was initially expected to feature in at least the final two Tests. Despite rigorous preparation, including a 43-over spell in the Ranji Trophy and participation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a knee injury ruled him out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
While his participation in upcoming series against England and the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain, Shami’s determined efforts to regain full fitness signal his ambition to rejoin the national team. His last international appearance was in the 2023 World Cup final, and his absence from the recent Test series contributed to India’s failure to qualify for the 2025 World Test Championship final. The 34-year-old’s return will be crucial for India’s chances in the upcoming tournaments.
First Piper 