Shami no longer in India's scheme of things [Source: AFP]Arguably one of India’s best bowlers across formats, it seems the doors have closed on Mohammed Shami as time is running out for him. Whenever a new India tour arrives, there is an expectation that Shami will be part of the squad, but he gets a rejection call every time.His latest setback was the India squad announcement for the Sri Lanka Tests. He was once again snubbed by the BCCI, and it has made one thing clear: Shami is no longer in the scheme of things, and the board has moved on from him.End of the road for Mohammed Shami in India coloursThe team management now seems to focus on the next generation of fast bowlers, and according to the latest report by Sportstar, the Indian selectors have identified a pool of 15 fast bowlers who will be nurtured and will be a part of India’s scheme of things.Unfortunately, Shami doesn’t fit in as the right-arm seamer is not a part of India’s long-term plan (mainly the 2027 World Cup).The report added that the selectors have set. their sights on the next WTC cycle and the 2027 ODI World Cup, and for that, they are nurturing young fast bowlers, rather than extending the careers of senior pacers.Also Read: Rohit Sharma Retirement: Mohammed Shami-Like Status Given By SelectorsBCCI believes that the young pacers should be given the exposure now, so that they are ready to conquer the world by the time the next cycle begins.Shami overlooked despite stellar domestic performancesThe veteran pacer did everything on his part to make a comeback into the Indian squad. He last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against the Kiwis, and since then, the pacer has been snubbed on a regular basis.After getting dropped, Shami returned to the domestic circuit, and he delivered the goods by picking 37 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. He bowled long spells to prove his fitness in red-ball cricket, and despite all the efforts, he was ignored by the Indian selectors.His spells were pivotal for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, but it seems the selectors had already made up their mind, as Shami’s journey seems to be over with the Indian team.Why Shami should be in the Indian scheme of things despite his ageAt 35, Shami is not getting any younger, but as they say, there is no substitute for experience, and this Indian team certainly lacks one. The likes of Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, and Gurnoor Brar are all relatively young in the international circuit, and Jasprit Bumrah is the only experienced bowler in the squad.With the 2027 ODI World Cup taking place in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, India needs its best World Cup bowler in the squad. Shami has scalped 55 wickets in 18 matches, the fifth most in the history of the ODI World Cups.The spicy South African wickets would have helped Shami, and one cannot deny that he has been one of the greatest ODI bowlers for India. Moreover, with Bumrah being injury-prone, the 35-year-old would have been a suitable player to fill in the void, especially when India are going through turmoil in the ODIs.Also Read: India's Outgoing Coach Joins KKR For IPL 2027 In New Role
