Aakash Chopra raises concerns over Mohammed Shami's absence ahead of IND vs ENG 3rd T20I

The fitness status of Mohammed Shami has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of India's third T20I against England. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns regarding Shami’s prolonged absence from international cricket, questioning whether the veteran pacer will return to action before the Champions Trophy 2025.

Currently, India is at a lead in the five-match T20I series by 2-0 with the third one to be held on January 28th at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot. However, Shami didn't feature in the first two games and now it is suspected his fitness. 

According to Chopra, although India had so far been in top gear, for Shami it was quite a vital match in preparing the side for the Champions Trophy that starts in less than a month's time.

"Will Mohammed Shami be back? That's the biggest thought. At some stage, he has to play. This month is about to get over, it's the 28th, and then you have one more match, but your T20 series will be more than half done by this evening," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

"So if Mohammed Shami doesn't play now also, what is the actual status? The truth is that Shami needs to play. If Shami doesn't play, I am personally worried. It's not that the Champions Trophy is starting tomorrow but he hasn't played for 15 months," he added.

In the first two T20Is, India fielded only one specialist seamer, Arshdeep Singh, while Hardik Pandya shared the new-ball duties. Here, the Men in Blue relied on their spin attack, while Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Axar Patel played the first game and Washington Sundar in the second.

Chopra further emphasized that match fitness is essential for a bowler like Shami, especially with a high-stakes tournament on the horizon.

"The truth is that he will only get ready if he plays international cricket," he stated. "You are not making him sit out because of the bowling combination. There is no report about whether he is available to play this match, but I really hope that he is available and plays the match. No matter how the match goes, whether he gets hit or gives less runs, picks up wickets or not, I want to see Shami running in and bowling," Chopra added.

While Shami has played domestic cricket recently, Chopra stressed that his current fitness status remains unclear. With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, all eyes will be on whether the pacer features in the remaining T20Is against England.

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