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Former Indian cricketer R Ashwin has opened up on Mohammed Shami's non-selection in India's squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The
Men in Blue's squad for the ODI series was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on January 3.
Ashwin commented that the selectors must have not felt confident of Shami sustaining his bowling characteristics and form till the 2027 World Cup. He also pointed out that a fast bowler's workload differs to that of a batter.
"Shami's exclusion was expected. There's no surprise in that. Virat or Rohit, Shami, the difference between them, the point is, when ODIs were not going on, they were still playing Tests or T20s. Shami went out due to injury. For a bowler, if you look at the run-up, speed, rhythm, is it the same quality as international cricket you once saw, Shami's case is of optics. Do the selectors believe he can get to the 2027 World Cup? There is a huge difference in the workload of a batter and a fast bowler," shared Ashwin on a video in his YouTube channel.
The cricketer-turned-analyst also reckoned Mohammed Siraj's inclusion in the squad is a step in the right direction. He felt Siraj's experience will serve as a positive when it comes to complementing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and others at the mega event in 2027.
"Siraj's coming back was well deserved. India would know they need experience for the 2027 World Cup. Sure, Arshdeep is there, Harshit is there, Prasidh is there. But we cannot take these three together. We need Bumrah and with him, we have Siraj's experience. I am very happy for him, and I think it is a decision in the right direction," he added.
Shami is currently representing Bengal in the 2025-26 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He picked up 11 wickets in five matches at an average and economy rate of 22.27 and 5.65, respectively. He has not played for India since the final of the Champions Trophy which took place in March 2025.
