Sunil Narine's batting troubles continued as he was bowled early in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 15th match of IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Batting in the opening slot, Narine made 7 runs off 7 balls, including a six, before being bowled by a masterful ball from Mohammed Shami in the third over.

Sunil Narine Dismissed Early

Shami served a timely yorker outside off-stump on the third delivery of the over. Narine, in an attempt to play for room, stepped back and attempted to cut the ball to the off-side. But the ball hit an edge before his bat could land on the ground. Wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen reacted quickly, diving to the right to take a wonderful catch.

ALSO SEE: Swastik Chikara’s Birthday Celebration: Nearly Biting Virat Kohli’s Finger!

pic.twitter.com/5qEfmhBF1y

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) April 3, 2025

Sunil Narine vs Muhammed Shami in IPL.

4 : Innings
1 : Runs
9 : Balls
2 : Dissmisels pic.twitter.com/a9fyqXf15H

— Gurlabh Singh (@gurlabhsingh610) April 3, 2025

Although there was a definite edge, Narine seemed to be in a trance. The doubt came because his bat hit the ground around the same time as the ball hit the edge.

Although KKR lost initial momentum, they managed to post a decent score of 200/6 in 20 overs, giving their bowlers a good target to defend.

Mohammed Shami (Sunrisers Hyderabad - SRH)

Mohammed Shami is great at swinging the ball and taking early wickets, making him a top bowler in the powerplay. He won the Purple Cap in IPL 2023 with 28 wickets in 17 matches and will try to win it again for SRH.

MOHAMMAD SHAMI IN SRH JERSEY. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/U7UPNQNDto

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 19, 2025

ALSO READ: Who Will Hit the Longest Six in IPL 2025?

Shami is capable of ruling this ipl 2025, he trusts his skills and swinging the ball in the powerplay and he has a strong bowling team around him, and believes in his team’s success. With his experience and confidence, he has a great chance to be the best bowler in IPL 2025 and win the Purple Cap once again.

Indian Team lifted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. The tournament was played in a hybrid format India’s matches, including the semifinal and final, were held in Dubai, while the rest of the games took place in Pakistan across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Meanwhile, the ICC picked Mitchell Santner as the captain of their Team of the Tournament for his brilliant captaincy in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts, had a tough time in the tournament, failing to win a single game. They lost their first two matches to New Zealand and India, while their last group-stage game against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain. Pakistan has a tough time in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

ALSO READ: Top 5 Indian Cricketers Who Love Being Social Media Influencers

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament

1. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
   Rachin Ravindra had an outstanding tournament, scoring 251 runs at an average of 62.75, including two centuries. His brilliant performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

2. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
   Ibrahim Zadran was Afghanistan’s standout batter, scoring 216 runs at an average of 72, including a century. Unfortunately, Afghanistan’s journey ended early after their last group-stage match against Australia was washed out.

3. Virat Kohli (India)
   Virat Kohli once again showed his class, scoring an unbeaten century against Pakistan. He finished the tournament with 218 runs at an average of 54.5.

4. Shreyas Iyer (India)
   Shreyas Iyer was solid in India’s middle order, scoring 243 runs at an average of 48.6, with two crucial fifties and helping India to win the Crucial final against New Zealand.

5. KL Rahul (wk) (India)
   KL Rahul made valuable contributions both with the bat and behind the stumps. He scored 140 runs at an incredible average of 140, with his highest score being 42*. His unbeaten knock in the final against New Zealand played a big role in India’s victory.

6. Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
   Glenn Phillips was one of the best fielders in the tournament, taking five catches. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 177 runs at an average of 59, and even took two wickets.

7. Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
   Azmatullah Omarzai was impressive with both bat and ball. He scored 126 runs at an average of 42 and picked up seven wickets, including a brilliant five-wicket haul.

8. Mitchell Santner (c) (New Zealand)
   Mitchell Santner was chosen as the captain after leading New Zealand to the final. He had a solid tournament with the ball, taking nine wickets at an average of 26.6 and an economy rate of 4.80.

9. Mohammed Shami (India)
   Mohammed Shami played a key role in India's bowling attack, picking up nine wickets in the tournament. He made a strong start with a five-wicket haul in India's opening match against Bangladesh.

10. Matt Henry (New Zealand)
    Matt Henry was one of the standout bowlers of the tournament, taking 10 wickets at an average of 16.7 with an economy of 5.32. Unfortunately, he was ruled out of the final beacuse of injury.

11. Varun Chakaravarthy (India)
    Varun Chakaravarthy was one of the brilliant spinners in the tournament. He picked up nine wickets at an average of 15.1 while keeping his economy rate at just 4.53.

    12: Axar Patel (India)
          Axar Patel was among the top all-rounders in the tournament. He took five wickets at an average of 39.2 with an economy of 4.35. He also made valuable                contributions with the bat, scoring 109 runs, including a crucial 29-run knock in the final in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

ICC squad of Champions Trophy

Rachin Ravindra, Ibrahim Zadran, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Glenn Phillips, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mitchell Santner (c), Mohammed Shami, Matt Henry, Varun Chakaravarthy, 12th player: Axar Patel

Mohammed Shami brought his mother, Anjum Ara, to Dubai so she could watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final from the stadium. After India’s big win in the Champions Trophy 2025, Virat Kohli showed his respect. Filled with joy, he touched the feet of Shami’s mother and took her blessings. For Shami, this moment was even more special as he had battled injuries for nearly a year before making his comeback in the Champions Trophy 2025.

This is what makes him so special man…Virat Kohli touching Mohammed Shami’s Mothers feet♥️♥️
What a man!! My 🐐 @imVkohli ♥️

#INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophyFinal #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/FfpfLoU74T

— Dr RB (@bloodygloves__) March 9, 2025

Virat Kohli touched Mohammad Shami's mother's feet and clicked a picture with Shami's family. 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/amTeurTJ4k

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 9, 2025

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: Harry Brook Withdraws from Delhi Capitals, Faces Two-Year Ban

As the Indian team celebrated their win, the players’ families joined with players and Mohammed Shami took their mother to the field. After the champagne was popped, the trophy was lifted, and photos were taken, the excitement slowly down. Then Virat Kohli met Shami’s mother. In a heartfelt moment, Kohli bowed down and touched her feet to take her blessings. Then, they took a picture together.

Indian fielders are on radar to the big final of Champions Trophy where some of the straight catches were dropped by players. New Zealand won the toss and choose to bat first, Rohit Sharma lost his straight 15 toss most by any captain. India won their all matches in this champions Trophy edition even beating New Zealand too in league phase. 

Today India's fast bowlers were really not upto the mark Shami who is the second highest wicket taker couldn't able to do much on he was taken out from opening batsman Rachin Ravindra where he lashed out boundries on him, even Hardik Pandaya who accompanied him too got some hard hits which reciprocated Rohit to move on to spinners.

Read more: Virat Kohli Suffers An Injury Scare Ahead Of Big Final Against New Zealand

Lagging In Catches Calls The Trouble

It was Shami who started the proceeding by dropping the catch it was the 6th over of the match where he was bowling to Rachin Ravindra, he tapped the ball straight to Shami which was straight forward catch, Shami missed it and injured his hand. Shami in semi-final too dropped the important catch of Travis Head.

The next catch was dropped by Shreyas Iyer same as Rachin Ravindra at the deep mid wicket. Ravindra swept Chakravarthy ball over deep and there stood Iyer who came on running and dropped at the end. That catch was in hand which just tickled at the end moment. Though India made good ground fielding contributions and took some crucial wickets too. 

The Pressure Of Final Pressurize

The pressure of the final always makes you sometimes tilt because your one mistake can take you away from the game. The same thing happened in the 35 over too where Rohit Sharma dropped Darryl Mitchell at the mid-wicket though the catch was quite a tough one but at international standards, you have to get those to acquire the trophy. Rohit Sharma extended his arms high but the effort was 100% but wasn't quite enough to take the catch. 

Read More: Former England All Rounder Moeen Ali States That ODI Format Is Worst Of All

Though it was not enough vice captain Subhman Gill made a blunder by dropping Phillips at mid wicket, where Phillips hit the shot at mid wicket and Subhman standing in shade charged over it but dropped at the end. These catch drops extended the New Zealand score to 251 where they where very behind than the par score but these small errors etched New Zealand to reach the respectable score. Now its upto India how they compose the chase. 

Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami was wrenched with hard words by Islamic Scholar and president of All India Muslim Jamat Shahbuddin Rizvi for drinking up energy drink in the holy month of Ramzan. It all happened in the semi-finals of India vs Australia into their second innings drinks break where the pace bowler was shown drinking an energy drink. After the clip became viral it became the center point of issues. 

Shahbuddin states that Shami has done a big crime. In Islam it is said that keeping roza is a duty and its the duty of everyone whether it be man, woman, or child to keep Roza, if anyone intentionally not keeping roza, its a crime. Cricketer Mohammad Shami hasn't kept Roza. He has committed a big sin by not keeping roza. He is a traitor and will face his own deeds. But after his statments on this social media buzzed up. 

Read More: Few Of The Indian Superstars May Lose Their A+ Central Contracts

Two Much For A Controversy

Even too way annotations came some came into support and some accepted the fact that what Shami did was wrong and it gave a wrong message to the younger generation. Some stated that he is representing our country at the highest level not to drag him into politics. After those harsh comments Shahbuddin got widespread criticism. Sajid Rishidi who belongs to the All India Imam Association states that 

Those who don't know about Islam say such things pointing to Shahbuddin Rizvi he moves on by saying in Islam Muslims are the ones who travel more than 70Kms or have been out for 10-12 days and they are exempted from keeping roza, they can keep roza later.  No one has the right in Islam to call anyone a criminal. How can Shahbuddin Rizvi be so sure to say Shami isn't keeping Roza? They should know before speaking.

Read More: Once Again The Topic Of Disadvantage Ignites In Champions Trophy 2025

Shama Mohammad Creates An Escape Route

Even Shami coach Badruddin has lashed out that these people always speak as they think scholars do not know the situation or the thing. Shami had a great outing against Australia claiming 3 wickets and paved India to reach the finals of the Champions Trophy for the fifth time. After all this congress spokesperson also came in support of Mohammad Shami. 

#WATCH | Delhi | On Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, Congress leader Shama Mohamed says, "...In Islam, there is a very important thing during Ramzan. When we are travelling, we don't need to fast (Roza), so Mohammed Shami is travelling and he's not at his place. He's playing… pic.twitter.com/vdBttgFbRY

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2025

She was the same person who said Rohit Sharma doesn't look like a cricketer anymore he has put a lot of weight and it gives a bad message to youngsters who take up the game. She states that In Islam, there is a very important thing during Ramzan. When we are travelling, we don't need to fast (Roza), so Mohammed Shami is travelling and he's not at his place. He's playing a sport where he can be very thirsty. Nobody insists that when you're playing a sport, you have to fast. It is your deeds which are very important. 

Mohammad Shami wants to revoke the ban on using saliva on the ball. Using of saliva was banned during COVID-19 times. Where transmission of the virus would have been possible as saliva could carry and transmit the virus through droplets. Mostly saliva is used by bowlers to keep the shine of the ball alive. When saliva is rubbed through the rubbed area becomes a shiner and gives the recipient of reverse swing where the ball is tapped into the reverse format. 

It was mentioned by ICC that the ban was a temporarly mesaure, when the pandemic gets over or suppressed the ban will be automatically revoked. Then in September 2022 instead of revoking ICC made it into permanent ban and suggested to apply sweat or some special foil to add, this was sudden move which no one did expected. 

Read More: Rohit Sharma Becomes The First Captain To Reach The Finals Of All ICC Tournaments

Shami On The Victory Against Australia

Shami expressed his happiness on victory over Australia in Champions Trophy semi final. He said it, was quite a tensed moment when he dropped the catch of Travis Head. But it was quite recultant that he was coming from 1 year injury break where he injured himself during, the final of 2023 World Cup final and the fate has given him another chance to play the final of ICC Champions Trophy. 

Though Travis Head didn't do as much, damage as India thought and Shami too, had a great spell picking 3 wickets in the final of the game. During the press meet he urged the plea to ICC to revoke the usage of saliva to debug the advantage to batsmen as bowlers left nothing to do on a batting track, even it's not only Shami who is alone in this some bowlers have come in support of Mohammad Shami regarding this issue. 

Read More; Former Pakistan Cricketer Has Criticised The Team Selection For New Zealand Series

Vernon Philander And Tim Southee comes in for support.

Even Shami is not alone but he has got his supporters for this. South African pace bowler Vernon Philander and New Zealand pace bowler Tim Southee had addressed this issue with the ICC, and they said this rule was too early during coronavirus times.  Southee says we have been getting no advantage as bowlers as batsmen they get used to powerplays and field restrictions, 

Mostly Southee and and Phillander went on to say we have seen lots of changes in batting demography but no change in bowling rules.  We have seen in recent years that batters have been dominating and using different shots and change of hands but it leasure bowlers too which can give equal competition to bat and ball. 

The semi final of Champions Trophy has began with a mere twist. Australian captain Steve Smith won the toss and choose to bat first. The idea was simple to post a target and to defend though Australian bowling has not even shine in this CT. But the batting has raised the tempo which reflects in their bowling. Australia has mostly chased a target and their bowling hasn't been tested yet. 

Australia have included 4 spinners in their team and India has gone with 3 spinners. Looking the dry conditions teams have allocated their teams and now we have to wait whose decision has been spot on. 

Read More: Will Shreyas Iyer Give His Best On An Important Match Against Australia

Travis Head dropped on 0

The innings had just started and Mohammad Shami started the proceedings with the new ball. Where he started with the wide ball. It was the third ball of the spell where Travis Head shot cuddled with the bat and went back to Shami who dropped the catch trying to attempt it by one hand. It's like the repetition of the 2023 World Cup where Travis Head's stumps were missed by a mere margin which became the deciding factor of the match. 

Rohit Sharma's reaction on Shami missing the opportunity gifted by Travis Head 🫣 pic.twitter.com/xECGhGAiT4

— Radha (@Rkc1511165) March 4, 2025

It was the same ball that Bumrah delivered on the Bgt series where the ball tickled the top of bails and Travis was bowled. But today the reputation of the World Cup has changed. Travis Head was seen lucky for the second time when Ravindra Jadeja's throw missed the stumps with the thinnest of margin. It seemed that once again the destructive opener going to destroy team India's hopes like he did India and World Cup 2023. After that mere two misses Travis Head started delivering boundaries and sixes which snubbed the Indian fans. 

Varun Chakravarthy gets the big fish.

After the mere misses and tickles Travis Head thought he had crossed the hurdle time. But then came the hero of the last game Varun Chakravarthy who got a fifer against New Zealand and delivered the most important spell of his time. Same today Varun Chakravarthy came in 8 th over of the game semi-final.

It was the second ball of the innings and Travis Head played a lofted shot through the leg side which went high in the year and down there it was Subhman Gill who took the catch and dismissed the biggest headache of India. Travis Head was dismissed by 39 runs and was caught at the right time when he was looking dangerous. It was once again Varun Chakravarthy who came to the rescue of the team when needed. 

India already securing a spot in the semifinals, and the Indian team is expected to make a few changes for their match against New Zealand. Reports said that Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav might be rested for today's match, with Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy likely to replace them.

India Likely to Rest Key Players Against New Zealand, Arshdeep & Varun to Get a Chance

Since India has already qualified for the semifinals, the Indian team might use this match to try out Arshdeep & Varun Chakravarthy players and their main bowlers Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav a break before the semifinals. Shami and Kuldeep have been important for India’s bowling, so the Indian team is resting them could help keep them fresh for the semifinals.

🚨 ARSHDEEP & VARUN WILL PLAY vs NEW ZEALAND 🚨

- Mohammed Shami & Kuldeep Yadav likely rested in today's match, Arshdeep Singh & Varun Chakravarthy likely replaced them. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/WyVN4IqB0Q

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 2, 2025

ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant Returns: Star Wicketkeeper Set to Play Against New Zealand Today!

For Arshdeep and Varun, this is a golden opportunity to show their skills and performances in this match. Arshdeep has been effective with the new ball swing and in the death overs with yorkers, while Varun’s mystery spin could strengthen the bowling attack. With these changes, it will be interesting to see how India will play this match against New Zealand.

Mohammad Shami is back on to cricket field where he left the World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury, coming back into another ICC event is not that easy job. Even after coming back and delivering straight away requires a different type of strength. Mohammad Shami was in elite form in World Cup 2023 where his pace and wicket-taking ability had become a serious headache to the opposition. 
It was during the final of the World Cup 2023 and India was poised with a mere target to chase, It was up to bowlers who would give the best outcome of the match. But after a few overs when Shami came to bowl he started feeling uncomfortable which resulted in his ankle injury. 
The Pain To Leave The Field
Mohammad Shami revealed in his latest interview that it was really painful not for the pain but leaving the field without delivering for the country. He lost the hope of coming back in the blue jersey. He encountered the incident with the doctor asking when he would be back on the cricket field. His reply was simple first his job is to make him walk, then jog and run the hard yards. After listening to his words carefully, I thought it would take a long time and lots of thoughts were running through my mind
Read More: Virat Kohli On And Off Form May Trouble India In ICC Champions Trophy
Whether I will back to the team will I be able to play for India? After my operation, my family became the biggest supporter of mine. After a few months, I was asked to walk, it was so nerve-wracking and so much pain thought it would be the end of mine. But my supporters became my biggest strength even BCCI gave their full support which gave me the strength to regain the confidence beneath me.
Striving the hunger back
It was hard and painful swollen knees to calm down monitoring day and night, but it was all worth it for Shami because his aim to play for India was way more than it. After one year of hard training and rehabilitation finally, it was all worth it for Shami. Still, he was kept on hold for the Bgt series not to give hard yards because BCCI didn't want to take the necessary steps to endure further injury. 

Due to Bumrah's injury in the recent BGT series, no main experienced bowlers were there for the England series and ICC Champions Trophy so Shami was fast-tracked and tried for the England series where he was clicking the clock better. Then what he was on the team sheet of the Champions Trophy. Shami played the first match of the ICC Champions Trophy where he took 5 wickets and restricted Bangladesh to 227. This comeback was not easy for Shami but the desire to play for his country and the toughness he possessed was great.