Mohammed Shami Injury Scare in IND vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Will He Bowl Again? | IND vs NZ Final Live

In the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 between India and New Zealand, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami experienced a concerning incident that has raised questions about his ability to continue in the match.

Shami's Injury During the Final

The incident occurred in the 7th over of New Zealand's innings. Shami, delivering a probing spell, induced a mistimed shot from Rachin Ravindra. The ball lobbed back towards Shami, presenting a return catch opportunity. Reacting swiftly, Shami attempted the catch but unfortunately dropped it. More alarmingly, he immediately showed signs of discomfort in his left hand, prompting him to call for medical assistance. The team's physio attended to him on the field, leading to a brief interruption in play.

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Recent Injury History

Shami's career in recent years has been punctuated by a series of injuries:

• Heel Injury Post-2023 World Cup: After a stellar performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker, Shami suffered a heel injury during the final against Australia. This injury sidelined him for an extended period, leading to surgery on his Achilles tendon in early 2024.

• Knee Swelling in Late 2024: As he intensified his rehabilitation, Shami encountered swelling in his knee, which delayed his return to competitive cricket. This setback raised concerns about his long-term fitness and ability to withstand the rigors of international cricket.

• Side Strain in November 2024: Just as he was gearing up for a comeback in domestic cricket, Shami suffered a side strain, ruling him out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. This series of injuries has disrupted his rhythm and match fitness over the past year.

Impact on the Final

Prior to this incident, Shami had been instrumental in India's bowling attack during the tournament, showcasing his experience and skill. His sudden injury in the final poses a strategic dilemma for the Indian team management. Losing a bowler of Shami's caliber in such a crucial match could tilt the balance in favor of New Zealand, especially considering the depth and resilience of their batting lineup.

Will Shami Bowl Further?

As of now, there has been no official update from the Indian camp regarding Shami's condition. The decision to allow him to continue bowling will hinge on the assessment of the medical team. Factors such as the severity of the injury, potential risk of aggravation, and the availability of bowling alternatives will be considered. If deemed unfit to bowl, India might have to rely more heavily on their other bowlers, including spinners and part-time options, to fill the void left by Shami.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The cricketing fraternity has expressed widespread concern over Shami's injury. Fans took to social media, sharing messages of support and hoping for his swift recovery. Analysts have highlighted the potential implications of his absence, noting that India's bowling strategy