Mohammed Shami is just one of the finest pacers, not only to emerge out of India, but the world, in the last decade or so. Yes, injuries have plagued him since 2019 and has not played, as much as he should have, but it is needless to say, as to how effective he has been across formats. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say, in Jasprit Bumrah‘s absence, he would not give a single reason to fret, either to his team or the fans.
Mohammed Shami Not in Team India’s Plans?
But his non-selection in the IND vs ENG series first, and now in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, perhaps is a signal, that he isn’t in the loop anymore. While the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah was discussed right from the start — it was almost a given that Mohammed Shami won’t be chosen.
So, is it game over for the Indian legend? No one can of course say for sure, but it seems there isn’t much confidence, of the selectors over his fitness. He played in the Champions Trophy last, where in five matches he took 9 wickets, but he didn’t look at his best, tbh. Though he had a decent campaign, but that rhythm was missing.
Is the BCCI Preserving Him for 2027 World Cup?
In any case, if he is not chosen in a T20I tournament, then what are his chances of playing in the ODIs and Tests, hereafter? Asia Cup would have been the perfect opportunity for him to test his fitness once again, but the selectors thought otherwise. Post that, there is a West Indies Test series, and then the ODIs vs Australia.
It all likelihood, that series could just be the decider for Shami’s future. If he’s in, he is definitely in some sort of plans for the 2027 World Cup. If not, India would risk losing another fine pacer to spate of injuries. Despite all this, one would hope to see the pacer serve Indian cricket at least till 2027.
Still the Best
Given the excellent record he boasts of in the World Cups, he becomes a must have, if fit. In just 18 matches the man has a staggering 55 wickets at an average of 13, and a strike-rate of 15.8. That means he picks up three wickets in every WC match. For all you know, this could just be a ploy by the BCCI and the selectors to preserve him only for the ODIs, and the World Cup. And we would know by the Australia series.
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