Shubman Gill addresses Mohammed Shami's absence from Indian squad
What's the story
As India gear up to take on South Africa at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, the absence of seamer Mohammed Shami from the squad has sparked widespread debate. Despite his impressive Ranji Trophy outings for Bengal, Shami was snubbed from India's squad for the South Africa series. Ahead of the 1st Test, India captain Shubman Gill addressed this selection dilemma, saying, "A bowler of his quality, there aren't many like him."
Team dynamics
Gill praises current bowling lineup
Gill also acknowledged the impressive performances of current bowlers like Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah. He said, "But you also have to take into consideration the bowlers playing right now... Akash Deep, Siraj, Bumrah - they've all done a terrific job." The India captain further added that while players like Shami are missed sometimes due to such decisions, it is all part of planning for future tours abroad.
Refusal
Did Mohammed Shami refuse to play in England?
Shami has publicly claimed that there has been a lack of communication from the Indian team management regarding his selection. However, an unnamed BCCI official recently disputed these claims, saying that Shami isn't telling the whole truth. The official, in a recent interview with PTI, said both selectors and support staff have maintained regular contact with the 35-year-old pacer. They were even "desperate" to include him in India's Test side for the England tour.
Readiness
Shami's readiness for international cricket
Shami had previously asserted his fitness and readiness for international cricket, hinting at a possible communication gap with the management. Despite skipping the fourth round of the Ranji Trophy, Shami impressed in his first three matches, bowling 93 overs and taking 15 wickets at 15.13 with best figures of 5/38. Gill was also asked directly if Shami is part of India's plans, to which he said, "The selectors would be able to give you a better answer to that."
History
Shami last played Test cricket in 2023
Shami last played Test cricket in 2023 during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. He had undergone ankle surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was India's leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets at an average of 10.70. Shami's last international appearance was in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. Being India's strike pacer for nearly a decade, the 35-year-old has taken 229 wickets from 64 Tests at an average of 27.71.