Something strange happened with the Indian team selection this week. Mohammed Shami is fit and bowling great in the Ranji Trophy. But he’s still not getting picked for the South Africa series.
The selectors wanted him back after seeing his recent performances. Then Gautam Gambhir stepped in and said no to the idea. This has created a mess nobody expected right now.
Shami’s Form Was Never the Problem Here
Mohammed Shami just took 15 wickets in three Ranji matches for Bengal. Anyone watching those games could tell he’s back to his best. His speed and skills looked sharp like the old days.
The BCCI selection committee noticed this and wanted him in the squad. But Gautam Gambhir thinks differently about the bowling department’s future. He’s pushing hard for younger bowlers to take over now.
Shami last played Tests in the 2023 World Test Championship final. He appeared at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the last Indian player. Over 64 Tests, he’s grabbed 229 wickets for the country.
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Young Akash Deep Gets the Nod Instead
The team went with Akash Deep over Mohammed Shami in this series. Deep plays for Bengal too and knows Shami pretty well. This pick left a lot of people scratching their heads.
Shami’s coach came out swinging at the BCCI selection process publicly. He said they’re judging Test players using T20I numbers somehow. Ranji Trophy performances should count more for red-ball cricket picks.
Mohammed Shami missed a recent Ranji game citing personal reasons apparently. Nobody knows what’s really going on in his mind these days.
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Where Does Shami Go From Here
Retirement talks are doing the rounds about Mohammed Shami already. Gautam Gambhir’s call might’ve ended his India career without anyone realising. Fans think he earned the right to a proper farewell game.
The BCCI selection logic isn’t making sense to most cricket followers. Shami won matches for India time and again over the years. Treating a senior pro like this feels wrong to many people.
