BCCI selectors under fire as questions mount over Mohammed Shami’s continued exclusion

India’s failure to defend 359 in the second ODI of the three-match series against South Africa in Raipur has amplified concerns over the team’s inexperienced pace attack. With senior bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj rested for workload management, many are questioning why Mohammed Shami was not brought into the setup.

Former India pacer Harbhajan Singh criticised the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, wondering why Shami was overlooked despite his form and experience—especially in the absence of Bumrah and Siraj. He admitted that Prasidh Krishna showed promise, but stressed that India is phasing out proven bowlers too quickly. “You had solid options and sidelined them gradually. With Bumrah in the XI, this attack looks very different. We must learn to win matches even when he’s not available,” Harbhajan said.

India’s bowlers struggled heavily in Raipur. Apart from Arshdeep Singh—who claimed two wickets for 54 runs in ten overs—none were able to stop the run flow. Prasidh Krishna conceded 85 runs in 8.2 overs, while Harshit Rana was hit for 70 in his full quota of ten. South Africa chased down the target with four balls and four wickets to spare, marking only the second time India has failed to defend 350 or more at home in ODIs.

Also Read: Has Team India veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s career come to an end?

Heavy dew later in the evening further complicated things for India, with bowlers unable to grip the ball and spinners extracting little turn. The slick surface allowed South African batters to dominate freely.

Shami’s continued absence remains unclear. Agarkar earlier stated that fitness issues kept the Bengal pacer out of the England tour, though he had multiple discussions with the player. Yet, Shami has been active in domestic cricket since returning for the Duleep Trophy in September. He picked up 20 wickets in four Ranji Trophy outings and bagged nine wickets in five Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches, helping Bengal reach the final—indications that he is fully match-ready.

The ongoing situation raises a pressing question on why is one of India’s most reliable fast bowlers still on the sidelines?