Mohammed Shami has recently been at the centre of a selection controversy as he has remained absent from the national team across all formats since the Champions
Trophy in March.
Despite being a regular in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, the 35-year-old pacer's prospects of representing India, especially in Tests and T20Is, have dimmed considerably, with younger fast bowlers like Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep emerging rapidly.
Shami's last appearance for India came before a significant layoff caused by a severe heel injury in 2023 that necessitated surgery. Given his age and history of injuries, including a knee surgery nearly a decade ago, selectors appear cautious about his ability to handle the physical demands of international cricket, particularly in the longer formats.
Contrary to reports that Shami has been left out due to a lack of communication from selectors, sources within the BCCI suggest that the narrative may not fully capture the situation.
A senior board official revealed to PTI, "There have been multiple times that national selectors and support staff from the BCCI Centre of Excellence have called to check on Shami. The selection committee was desperate to get his services in England as Jasprit Bumrah could not have played more than three Tests. "
This urgency was reflected in communications from a senior selection panel member who repeatedly reached out to Shami, encouraging him to participate in India A matches against the England Lions in England. These matches were seen as opportunities to evaluate his Test-match fitness ahead of the five-Test series.
However, Shami reportedly declined the offer, stating he needed to build his workload and did not want to be considered for the assignment at that time.
"So the narrative that there was no communication with Shami isn't an absolute truth," the official emphasized, adding that the sports science team also monitors his medical reports to assess his readiness to endure international cricket's rigors.
The veteran pacer has started the Ranji Trophy brilliantly for Bengal. He has been a key figure for them with 15 wickets in the first two matches of the season, playing a crucial part in Bengal's victories in those matches against Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
Sourav Ganguly heaped praises on the India star after his excellent bowling, which has so far not been enough for an India call-up. Shami's next opportunity to feature India colours may arrive in the upcoming ODI and T20I series against South Africa, although the chances remain bleak for now.
