Overview:
Shami’s coach expressed serious concern, suggesting that the selection panel may have already shifted focus away from the experienced pace bowler.
Mohammed Shami did not find a place in India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand. Despite strong returns in domestic cricket, the selectors backed Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna as their pace options for the 50-over setup.
The exclusion of Mohammed Shami sparked a sharp response from his coach, who openly questioned Ajit Agarkar’s selection call after the squad was revealed. Speaking to India Today, the coach voiced frustration and wondered how the pacer could further prove his case for a return.
“What else is expected from a player? How many additional wickets does he need to pick up?” Shami’s coach told India Today.
Mohammed Shami has delivered steady performances throughout the domestic season, picking up wickets across formats. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has featured in five games and claimed 11 scalps. His latest outing for Bengal against Assam saw him register figures of 3 for 55, as the opposition were dismissed for 217.
Shami’s coach expressed serious concern, suggesting that the selection panel may have already shifted focus away from the experienced pace bowler.
“This clearly shows they’re not considering him for the ODI side anymore, even though he still has plenty to offer,” he said.
Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla did not hide his frustration over the call, arguing that it was rare to see an established international cricketer invest so much effort and time in domestic competitions.
“The selectors have been unfair to Mohammed Shami. In recent times, no international cricketer has shown the level of commitment to domestic cricket that he has. Despite all the hard work he has put in, the way Shami has been treated is disgraceful,” Shukla told Revsportz.