Watch: Mohammed Shami shatters Virat Kohli’s middle stump ahead of India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy clash

Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami underwent intense net sessions despite injury concerns ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against New Zealand. Shami showcased his impressive bowling by shattering star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s stumps during the practice session.

Team India will take on New Zealand in their final Group A match of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 2. India and New Zealand have already secured their spots in the semi-finals from Group A. This match is crucial only for determining the group topper.

Watch: Mohammed Shami Knocks Over Virat Kohli’s Middle Stump in Nets

Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami left the field for a brief period of time during the match against Pakistan due to fitness concerns. It was reported that Rohit had a hamstring injury. However, they hit the nets and were seen training hard, showing no signs of discomfort before their last league match.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) shared a video of Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and other Indian players during the training session ahead of their final group-stage match. Shami impressed with his bowling by clean bowling Virat Kohli. The video received more than 200,000 likes on Instagram.

"Hard yards put in at the nets by Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami 👊," wrote the caption.

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Mohammed Shami Key to India's Success in the Tournament in Bumrah's Absence

Shami played a crucial role for India in their Champions Trophy 2025 opener. He took a five-wicket haul (5/53 in 10 overs) against Bangladesh. However, he went wicketless and conceded 43 runs in 8 overs against Pakistan. He also briefly left the field due to a calf issue after his spell.

Ahead of the crucial match against New Zealand, Shami had valuable practice in a net session, which is a significant boost for the Men in Blue.

With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury, Shami is a key figure in the bowling attack. The Bengal pace bowler, who was the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, will be eager to replicate his past success and lead the bowling unit to win his first ICC trophy.

Mohammed Shami Is India's Leading Wicket-Taker in ICC ODI Events

Shami is the highest wicket-taker for India in ICC ODI tournaments, having taken 60 wickets in just 20 innings. He surpassed former pacer Zaheer Khan, who picked up 59 wickets in 32 innings.

Javagal Srinath is in third place with 47 wickets in 35 innings, while Ravindra Jadeja (43 wickets in 32 innings) and Jasprit Bumrah (42 wickets in 25 innings) complete the top five.

Overall, Shami has played 105 ODIs for India and taken 202 wickets at an average of 23.85 and a strike rate of 25.6. He has maintained an economy rate of 5.57 and has registered six five-wicket hauls in his career.

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