On February 23, during the India vs Pakistan clash, Indian star pacer Mohammad Shami suffered a niggle in his calf while bowling Iman-ul-Haq. It happened during the fourth ball of the fifth over, when Shami bowled a back of a length delivery to Imam, who defended it successfully. Shami, who was standing near the pitching crease, felt uncomfortable and then summoned the physio. After some treatments, Shami finished the over and walked out of the field. Washington Sundar walked in as a substitute fielder, and Hardik Pandya was given the ball as Shami's replacement, who cleared Babar Azam in his very next over. However, Shami did not come in during the entire powerplay, unless in the 11th over. Pakistan, despite having a good start, lost two quick wickets. One includes a cheap edge from Babar Azam, and the other was of Imam-ul-Haq, who became victim of a brilliant throw from Axar Patel from the mid on. Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first, Imam (in place of injured Fakhar Zaman) and Babar Azam opening for them. Having lost both openers, its on the captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, to take hold of the batting. Read also: IND vs PAK Live: ICC CT 2025 Match 5 - Ball-by-Ball Commentary Shami's injury diaries post 2023 World Cup After the 2023 World Cup final, Mohammed Shami suffered an ankle injury that required surgery in February 2024, ruling him out for over a year. Complications during rehab, including knee swelling, further delayed his return, leaving him uncertain about his future. He missed India’s important fixtures like the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the home Test series against New Zealand. There were speculations that Shami might join India halfway during the Border Gavaskar Trophy, but the knee issue delayed everything. Despite setbacks, Shami’s determination never wavered. He proved his fitness in domestic cricket before making a triumphant international comeback in 2025 with the England home series. However, the stunning fifer for 53 against Bangladesh not only reaffirmed his resilience and commitment to the sport, but also restored a basic balance, especially with Jasprit Bumrah missing