India vs England: Mohammed Shami has increased pace and bowling 'sharper lengths', reckons former teammate

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After a 14-month hiatus, Mohammed Shami is set to return to international cricket as India faces England in the first T20I at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. Shami, who last played for India in November 2023, has undergone ankle surgery and extensive rehab.

His return is highly anticipated, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon. However, his former Bengal teammate Anustup Majumdar suggests that Mohammed Shami might need time to reach his full-throttle best.

"The name, Shami, has an impact in itself," Majumdar told SportsBoom. Highlighting Shami's progress in domestic cricket, he observed an increase in pace and sharper lengths during the pacer's recent outings. "Physically, he looks in good shape with a lean build. The delivery that cleaned up Rajat Patidar in the Ranji Trophy was pure class," Majumdar added.

Shami's performances in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups set a high benchmark. He was India's second-highest wicket-taker in 2019 with 14 wickets and surpassed that tally with 24 scalps in 2023. However, Majumdar believes it may take a few games for Shami to regain his rhythm after such a long break.

The England series will serve as a crucial testing ground for Shami ahead of the Champions Trophy. With Jasprit Bumrah's availability uncertain, Shami's return to form becomes even more critical for India's bowling attack. Young Arshdeep Singh, while promising, may struggle to carry the full burden of leadership in the pace department.

Majumdar also pointed out Shami's unique abilities. "He's always been a different bowler with his line, length, swing, and pace," he said. While Shami may not yet be bowling at full throttle, the upcoming matches could provide the platform for him to regain his peak form.

India's pace attack has shown signs of vulnerability in Bumrah's absence. The eight matches preceding the Champions Trophy could determine Shami's readiness to take on a lead role. His performance against England will be closely scrutinised, not just for wickets but for signs that he's regaining the venom that has made him one of India's most dependable pacers.