Mohammed Shami overlooked again, coach questions selectors’ call

Mohammed Shami’s absence from India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand has triggered sharp criticism from those closest to the veteran pacer. Despite delivering steady performances across India’s domestic tournaments this season, Shami failed to find a place as the selectors went with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna for the 50-over assignments.

Reacting strongly to the decision, Shami’s personal coach expressed his disappointment, questioning the rationale behind the snub. In a recent interaction, he wondered what more the fast bowler could possibly do to catch the selectors’ attention after consistently taking wickets across formats. According to the coach, the repeated omissions suggest that the think tank may have already decided to move on from Shami, despite his experience and ability to contribute.

Shami’s domestic numbers this season underline his case. Representing Bengal, he has been a regular wicket-taker in every competition he has played. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy alone, he has claimed 11 wickets from five matches, including figures of 3 for 55 against Assam that helped restrict the opposition to 217. Overall, Shami has picked up 47 wickets in 16 domestic games this season-20 in four Ranji Trophy matches, 16 in seven Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy outings, and 11 in List A cricket so far.

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Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla also voiced strong disapproval of the selection call, terming it unfair. Shukla praised Shami’s commitment, pointing out that few established international players have shown similar dedication to domestic cricket in recent times. He described the decision as unjust, especially after the hard work Shami has put in at the domestic level.

India’s selectors, however, have placed their faith in a younger pace group for the New Zealand ODIs, leaving Shami to wait and hope that his domestic performances eventually translate into a recall at the international level.

The Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.