Is Mohammed Shami Struggling in IPL 2025?

Synopsis
As IPL 2025 progresses, concerns loom over Mohammed Shami's performance. Aakash Chopra questions Shami's form and its implications for India's upcoming Test series against England. Will Shami bounce back before the crucial matches begin? Discover insights into his struggles and what it means for the national team.
Key Takeaways
- Aakash Chopra expresses concerns over Mohammed Shami's form in IPL 2025.
- Shami has struggled, taking only six wickets with high averages.
- His poor performance raises questions for the upcoming Test series against England.
- Shami's form could impact India's chances in the World Test Championship.
- There are lingering concerns about his recovery from injury.
New Delhi, May 3 (NationPress) Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns regarding veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, stating that he is not performing at his best in IPL 2025. This raises significant questions about which version of Shami will emerge for the upcoming Test series against England, commencing June 20.
Shami missed the entire IPL 2024 season due to an achilles tendon surgery for a heel injury. However, during this season, Shami has struggled, claiming only six wickets across nine matches with an average of 56.17 and an economy rate of 11.23.
His disappointing performance was evident in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 38-run defeat to the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, where he conceded 48 runs in just three overs. Chopra remarked, "This tournament evaluates every player, and if you fail to perform, you will be punished. Currently, Shami's pace is down, and he isn't consistently bowling in the same areas.”
“Shami has always relied on his unique strengths. Reflecting on his performance against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, where he bowled five wides in his first over, we see a recurring issue.”
“If he continues to struggle to find his rhythm… it’s crucial to note that he usually doesn’t give away easy sixes. While he may allow boundaries, he typically maintains control of his line and length. His current form is concerning,” Chopra added on ESPNcricinfo.
Following IPL 2025, India will embark on a Test tour of England, marking the beginning of their new World Test Championship cycle. India hasn't won a Test series in England since 2007, raising apprehensions about Shami’s performance in the upcoming series.
Shami has an average of 40.5 over the 14 Tests he has played in England. “This is a significant concern. It’s not as if he just returned from an injury; he resumed domestic cricket last year. If he remains off form, it may indicate lingering issues related to his injury, and that poses serious questions for the future.”
“While the situation with SRH is one aspect, the challenge of the England tour looms large. There was much speculation about how the team could have fared differently during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy if Shami had participated. But the pressing issue is whether Shami will even be ready for England and in what condition,” Chopra concluded.