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Mohammed Shami bowling in the nets - (Source: AFP)
On Friday, October 16, the BCCI released a 15-member squad for upcoming Tests and ODIs against New Zealand. Much to everyone’s disappointment, Mohammed Shami was once again ignored by the selectors.
Shami has been trying to return to the Indian setup for a long time but failed to do so till Ajit Agarkar served as a chief selector. Now, since Pragyan Ojha is the interim chief selector, many believe that it could open the door to Shami’s return, and no destination could have been better than New Zealand for that.
However, nothing of that sort happened. The fans are confused because Shami has been performing well in the domestic circuit, yet getting ignored constantly.
Mohammed Shami Not Getting Picked Due to Fitness
The cat is finally out of the bag, and the reason why Mohammed Shami is ignored for India selection has been revealed. In the latest events, Devendra Pandey of the Indian Express reported that the selectors feel that Shami can’t bowl longer spells, which is why they are going after the younger lot.
“Selectors and Team management don’t have any trust in Mohd Shami’s fitness despite him playing in the Ranji Trophy. They feel he can’t bowl a longer spell, and that is why they are going with young bowlers,” tweeted Devendra Pandey.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami continues to excel in domestic cricket as he recently picked up a fifer in the Ranji Trophy opener vs Delhi. Overall, he took 8 wickets in the match.
Mohammed Shami Opens Up on his repeated exclusions
Recently, Mohammed Shami addressed the possibilities of his return to India and stated that it is not his loss if he is not playing for India.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the chance to play for India, and that’s good for him. But his selection doesn’t concern me. Wherever I get the chance to play, I will give my best. Right now, my focus is firmly on this Ranji match," Mohammed Shami remarked, speaking to RevSportz.
"The same thing has been happening with me for the last two or three years. I have been performing and have proved my fitness for Bengal. If I don’t get the chance to play for India again, it’s not my loss,” Shami added.
