Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan came out in support of Mohammed Shami after the latter was once again snubbed by the selectors. The veteran pacer did not find a place in the 15-man squad for the IND vs NZ ODI series despite performing consistently in domestic tournaments, as mandated by the BCCI. Pathan noted that Shami had already proved his fitness and wondered what more he had to do to find his way back into the team.
‘Only the selection committee knows…’
In a video on his YouTube channel, Pathan pointed out that Shami had already proved his fitness and had bowled 200 overs already. He claimed that only the selectors knew what more could the veteran pacer do to improve himself. Dubbing Shami as the biggest talking point from the ODI squad that was announced, Pathan wondered if it was the end of the road for Shami, pointing out that he wasn’t a player who just commenced playing for India just recently.
“But Shami has already bowled 200 overs. After bowling 200 overs, if fitness is the question, then fitness has already been shown. What more improvement is needed, only the selection committee knows what they are thinking,” Irfan said.
In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has taken 11 wickets in 5 innings at a superb strike rate of 23. His stats in the ongoing domestic season are:
11 wickets in 5 games in Vijay Hazare Trophy, 16 wickets in 7 games in Syed mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 and 20 wickets in his first 7 games in ranji Trophy. While chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier justified Shami’s exclusion from the Indian team citing his fitness, there has been no reason provided this time around.
Pathan suggested Shami to wreak havoc in IPL with the new ball, claiming that the doors were not closed for him yet.
“If I were him, I would go and play the IPL and create havoc. I would take the new ball and perform at such a level. Domestic cricket performances are discussed, but when the IPL comes and you show your old rhythm and fitness, then no one can ignore you. The whole world watches the IPL. If you perform there, you make your place in the squad again. I believe his doors should not be closed,” Pathan added.
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