Mohammed Shami's comeback to Indian cricket has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He played two T20Is against England, going wicketless in the third match but then bouncing back with 3/25 at Wankhede, where the opposing team fell apart. The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has only picked three main pacers: Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah (if he's fit), which makes Shami's performance even more significant.

If Bumrah isn't fit to play, Shami, who hasn't been at full strength yet, will need to lead India's bowling in Dubai. Harshit Rana is there as a backup for Bumrah, but it seems unlikely that Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir would want to risk him bowling all 10 overs. So, ideally, Shami and Arshdeep are the only two pace options India can really count on. Is that enough? Should they have been more careful with their squad choices?

Aakash Chopra, a former opener, weighed in on this on his YouTube channel. He mentioned that while it's a good question, changing the squad is tricky since it means dropping someone. It's not just a regular series; it's an ICC event with a 15-member squad. If a change is needed, it usually has to be due to injury and requires approval. He believes there should have definitely been four fast bowlers in the mix because, despite Shami taking three wickets in his last outing, he still isn't fully ready.

Agarkar is on high alert

India has three ODIs lined up against England on February 6, 9, and 12 before the Champions Trophy kicks off, and these matches will definitely shed light on a lot of questions. Chopra has a couple of worries, particularly about Bumrah. Reports say the injured pacer has checked into the NCA, and we should get a final update on his back injury in about a week.

Another point of concern is whether Arshdeep can perform as well in ODIs as he does in T20Is. He’s been impressive in T20s, being the top wicket-taker, but with only eight ODIs under his belt and 12 wickets to his name, it’s uncertain how he’ll fare on the UAE pitches. Mohammed Siraj’s absence is also notable, which might raise some eyebrows for Agarkar.

Chopra mentioned, "He could be ready since there’s still time. With two weeks and three ODIs ahead, I’m hopeful he’ll be fit by then, but he’s not there yet. Arshdeep is great with both the new and old ball, but we haven’t seen how he handles the middle overs in ODIs."

On Bumrah's fitness, Chopra said, "I’m not getting the best updates. I won’t spread rumors or share what I’ve heard, but I agree that a fast bowler should have been included in the squad earlier. I believe they will add one, and we’ll see who makes way for him. I think Siraj will make it to the Champions Trophy."

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