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Mohammed Shami continues to be overlooked for India’s Test squad despite proving his fitness and form in the three Ranji Trophy matches he played for Bengal this season. The seasoned pacer, who has been one of India’s most consistent red-ball performers over the years, finds himself on the sidelines even as the team management experiments with younger fast bowlers.
According to sources, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly not in favour of recalling Shami to the Test setup at this stage. The reasons for this stance remain unclear, but insiders suggest that Gambhir prefers backing a younger pace battery to build a long-term bowling unit.
Those close to the development also revealed that Shami himself is uncertain about his place in the current team environment. This unfortunate situation has left many surprised, considering Shami’s proven match-winning ability and vast experience in overseas and home conditions alike.
Shami isn’t playing the fourth round of the Ranji Trophy as he is expected to be busy with some personal work. But then, what’s the point of performing in domestic games when the selectors and the team management are not ready to consider his name for the Test team? Even if there is a possibility of Shami being taken back into the squad, it’s likely that he would be made to warm the reserve benches.
Having found a reliable pacer in Mohammed Siraj to partner Jasprit Bumrah, the team management doesn’t seem keen to accommodate Shami at this stage. What’s even more surprising is that his Bengal teammate Akash Deep has earned a place in the Test squad, while Shami — who can walk into the playing XI of any team in the world — continues to be ignored.
With GG at the helm as a Coach it’s clear with all the recent developments , selections that GG to be and to continue as the coach the fine blueprint is his way or the highway .No if and no buts but straight forward thinking and bringing into practice his clarity and approach in terms of vision ..strategy and approach .Nothing against Shami and notwithstanding his performance it’s got nothing to do with his form and fitness but getting ready for the short and long run a battery of pacers with enough experience to lead India in this half decade and next with Harshit , Akashdeep , Prasidh , Nitish and others .Having spinners who can turn the match with the bat too like Axar, Washington and also that Bumrah Siraj And Shami as bowlers are not that far off in terms of their career span GG is aware and clear of his Team selection policies and strategy or Home/away and all the formats and in the process getting the selected players ready for the long haul .Well nobody is perfect and every coach thought process approach is different .As fans and spectators for Indian Cricket we will always wish good for Shami and every cricketer and including the Coach .
Well written article Indraneel! I feel bad for Shami though 😕
Yeah. It is unfortunate that Shami is being ignored.