Former Indian pacer Laxmipathy Balaji has expressed his confidence in Mohammad Shami’s ability to lead India’s bowling attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah during the Champions Trophy 2025. With Bumrah sidelined due to a back issue, the selectors have opted for a pace attack comprising Shami, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, with Hardik Pandya providing additional support. Balaji, who himself was a key part of India's bowling setup in the past, believes that Shami has all the experience required to step up in crucial moments. He highlighted that in both the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, Shami had taken more wickets than Bumrah. The former pacer feels this experience makes him the ideal leader for India’s bowling unit in the upcoming tournament. Speaking to the PTI, Balaji said, “Actually, he had out-bowled Bumrah in the 2019 (50-over World Cup) and in the last World Cup (2023). Bumrah is the champion bowler across formats. But Shami has experience and, before Bumrah's arrival, it was Shami who carried India's attack all through.” Read also: Virat Kohli Eyes Record to Surpass Chris Gayle in Champions Trophy Shami’s Role with the New Ball Crucial According to Balaji, Shami’s performance in the initial overs will set the tone for India’s campaign. Balaji emphasized that while the old ball generally offers fewer opportunities for aggressive bowling, making an impact in the powerplay is crucial. Focusing on Shami’s longevity and contributions over the past 12 years, Balaji said, "I think it's very important. If India has to do well, then Shami has to come good with the new ball. The kind of impact he can make in his first six overs with the new ball, it will play a crucial role for India. Old ball is anyway...it is a defensive game now. If he can make early inroads regularly, that will give a huge boost to India. Shami is the leader of the pack right now. I mean, he has been the leader of the pack for a long time now. If you see what Shami has done in 12 years of cricket and, especially, in Test cricket, it has been humongous. Now, if he starts striking with the new ball the confidence it gives to other bowlers will be huge.” With India set to begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, all eyes will be on Shami to lead from the front and guide the young pace attack in Dubai.