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Mohammed Shami could be set for a sensational return to India colours, with a section of the national selectors now firmly convinced that the veteran fast bowler’s relentless performances in domestic one-day and four-day cricket can no longer be overlooked, BCCI sources told CricBlogger.
It is understood that the selectors have already made up their minds to keep Shami firmly in contention for the national side. With India’s bowling department struggling for consistency and several pacers battling indifferent form and fitness issues, the pressure could soon mount on chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir to bring the experienced campaigner back into the fold if the situation worsens.
“It has reached a stage where Shami can’t be ignored anymore,” a BCCI source told CricBlogger.
Shami’s sustained performances away from the international spotlight have steadily strengthened his case, and the selectors now appear increasingly reluctant to shut the door on one of India’s most proven match-winners.
The message from within the board is becoming increasingly difficult to miss: if India’s pace attack continues to falter, Shami’s name could once again be impossible to keep off the selection table.
Whether Shami will be considered only for Tests or could also come into contention for an ODI spot isn’t clear yet.
All this while, Shami had been overlooked as Gambhir was understood to be backing Harshit Rana, particularly because of the youngster’s batting ability. There was also a growing consensus within the team management that Shami was not part of India’s long-term plans.
Now, however, the thinking appears to be changing.
Whether the selectors are contemplating one last hurrah for Shami, or simply looking at the proven fast bowler as the weapon India needs to achieve a short-term objective, remains unclear. What is becoming increasingly evident, though, is that the tide is turning in Shami’s favour — and the ace pacer once again has powerful voices batting for him.
