Mohammed Shami Takes Aim at Indian Team Management Over Omission from Australia Tour Squads

Strategic Insights -

Mohammed Shami's exclusion from the upcoming ODI and T20I squads for the Australia tour has raised eyebrows, with the veteran fast bowler questioning the logic behind his omission. Shami addressed speculation about his fitness, stating that he is fully match-ready and suggested that any confusion lies with the team management, not him. The experienced pacer has been included in Bengal's squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, beginning on October 15.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mohammed Shami expressed his frustration over being excluded from the ODI and T20I squads for the Australia tour, despite being fit to play.
  • Shami questioned the team management's decision, saying that if he can play four-day games, he should naturally be fit enough for 50-over cricket as well.
  • The Indian team management, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, cited Shami's limited match time in recent years as a reason for his omission.
  • Shami last represented India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, where he picked up a solitary wicket.
  • The Indian team didn't communicate with Shami about his fitness, saying it was not his job to tell them.
  • Shami will play in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season for Bengal, starting on October 15, under the leadership of Abhimanyu Easwaran.

Statistics:

  • Shami has played in the Duleep Trophy, but over the last two or three years, he hasn't played much cricket - maybe one game for Bengal and one in the Duleep Trophy.
  • Shami picked up a solitary wicket in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand.
  • The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season will begin on October 15 in India.
  • The Australian tour will feature ODI and T20I matches, with Shami excluded from the squads.

Sources:

  • Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB)
  • Orissa TV (Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Orissa TV)
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