The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has always been a fiercely contested series, with both teams fielding their best players to gain an edge. In the 2024-2025 edition, India’s pace spearhead, Mohammed Shami, was notably absent due to an ankle injury, a development that drew significant attention from cricketing experts, including former Australian captain Ricky Ponting and former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri.
Ricky Ponting’s Perspective
Ricky Ponting, renowned for his analytical insights, emphasized the impact of Shami’s absence on India’s bowling attack. He predicted that without Shami, India might struggle to take 20 wickets in a Test match, a necessity for securing victories in the series. Ponting stated, “Australia will clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 against India as the visitors will find taking 20 wickets in a Test as their ‘biggest challenge’ in absence of Mohammed Shami.”
Ponting’s assessment was rooted in Shami’s proven ability to deliver breakthroughs, especially on pitches that offer assistance to fast bowlers. His absence, according to Ponting, could tilt the balance in Australia’s favor, making India’s task of containing a robust Australian batting lineup more challenging.
Ravi Shastri’s Viewpoint
Ravi Shastri, who has closely worked with Shami during his tenure as India’s head coach, expressed concerns over the management of Shami’s injury and recovery process. He criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not expediting Shami’s rehabilitation, suggesting that the pacer should have been flown to Australia to join the squad as soon as he was fit to play. Shastri remarked, “He’s sitting at NCA for I don’t know how long,” indicating his frustration with the delay in Shami’s return to international cricket.
Shastri’s comments highlight the significance he places on Shami’s role within the Indian bowling unit. He believes that Shami’s experience and skill set are crucial, particularly in overseas conditions like Australia, where fast bowlers can exploit the bounce and pace of the pitches.
Impact on the Series
The absence of a bowler of Shami’s caliber inevitably affects team dynamics and performance. His ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver lethal yorkers in crunch situations has been instrumental in India’s past successes. Without him, the onus fell on other pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to shoulder the responsibility, potentially leading to increased workloads and pressure on these bowlers.
Moreover, Shami’s presence brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen, which can be invaluable in high-stakes matches against formidable opponents like Australia. His absence may have necessitated adjustments in India’s bowling strategies, possibly affecting their overall game plan.
Conclusion
Both Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri underscore the pivotal role Mohammed Shami plays in India’s Test squad. Ponting’s analysis points to the tactical disadvantage India faced without Shami, while Shastri’s critique sheds light on concerns regarding player management and rehabilitation processes. As the series progressed, the implications of Shami’s absence became a focal point of discussions, emphasizing the importance of effective injury management and strategic planning in international cricket.