In recent past, since the new coach Gautam Gambhir has joined the Indian cricket team, and it’s the era new captains as well, whenever a any major tournament or test series approaches, India’s squad announcement brings excitement and debate. But this time, one absence overshadowed all discussions — Mohammed Shami.
Why Mohammed Shami not selected, despite being fit and India’s most reliable fast bowler in red-ball cricket. Selectors didn’t select the Mohammed shami for upcoming 2 match home test series.
The decision has raised many questions. Is it a strategy ? or more to the story than meets the eye ?
Shami’s Test Legacy: Numbers That Speak for Themselves
Mohammed Shami has been at the heart of India’s fast-bowling revolution. His seam movement even on flat tracks makes him one of the dangerous bowlers in red ball cricket. India beat Australia in their home country, and was about to win the test series in England before Covid. The reason was, India had very good, and deadliest fast bowling attack. Mohammed Shami was part of that India’s bowling attack, and was leading from front. Below are Shami’s red-ball stats.
Test Matches: 64
Wickets: 229
Average: Around 27
Strike Rate: Among the best for an Indian pacer since 2015
He was instrumental in India’s overseas Test victories.
Now let’s talk about his contribution in white ball, specially in ODI format. He gave everything to the country, bowled with courage, and brave heart in ODI world cup 2023, and became the leading wicket taker in the tournament. Shami played 7 ODI matches in 2023 world cup, and took 24 wickets. Below are his ODI stats.
Test Matches: 108
Wickets: 206
Average: Around 24
In T20 format Shami has taken 27 wickets so far. In total more than 460+ wickets, no introduction, proof of performance needed from this kind of bowler.
The Fitness Myth: Shami Has Been Ready
Contrary to speculation, Shami has been fit. Reports confirm he resumed training and was available for selection. He told reporters when he was not selected for India’s Australia tour. He was playing Ranjhi Trophy season, and was not selected even then as well.
Shami Stated ” If there is any fitness issue, then I should not be here. If I can play four-day(matches), then I can play 50-over game as well.
He even told, selectors should have been asked him if they had any doubt about his fitness.
So if Shami is playing Ranjhi Trophy, and taking wickets then his fitness is not an issue. Ajit Agarkar, Indian chief selector told media about his exclusion from Australia tour, that selectors were unsure about Shami’s fitness. At least that question had been cleared from Mohammed Shami’s side.
Selectors’ Perspective: Planning for the Future?
One possible explanation lies in India’s transition plan. The selectors seem to be investing in younger fast bowlers like Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna — perhaps as part of a long-term roadmap.
But even then India should proceed with balanced approach. And also, selectors, didn’t select Shami for Australia series because of unavailability of fitness report, that was the only reason they gave. Leaving Shami out raising more questions.
Is It Personal or Tactical?
Some fans speculate non-cricketing reasons — like player management issues or team balance equations. However, there’s no official statement hinting at any personal conflict. The silence, though, speaks volumes.
If it’s a tactical move, the communication between selectors and player could have been clearer. But who’s responsibility is that ? Player or Selectors ?
Players like Shami, who’ve served Indian cricket with commitment and professionalism, deservers transparency for the long term setup. If selectors are not thinking about him anymore, or Shami is not in the picture for future plans, the message should be conveyed in clear way to Mohammed Shami.
Why Mohammed Shami Not Selected : A Question That Deserves an Answer
Whether this exclusion is a short-term experiment or a longer-term transition, one thing is clear — Mohammed Shami’s absence leaves a big void.
For a bowler who has been fit, consistent and proven overseas, and you left him out from the Test Squad feels like a decision that should be explained to public, and fair explanation. Until then, everybody will keep asking the same question:
Why Mohammed Shami not selected for South Africa Tests?
