Is Mohammed Shami Career Over?, Why was he dropped from India squad?

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Is Mohammed Shami's Career Over?, Why was he dropped from India squad?: When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Team India for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa, the absence of one name created a stir in the cricket world. That name is veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami. He has been overlooked from the Test team for the third consecutive time, raising questions everywhere: Is Mohammed Shami's international (especially red-ball) career over?

Why was Shami ignored despite his performance in the Ranji Trophy?

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The team selection for the South Africa series is most surprising because Shami is currently fully fit and in excellent form.

• Record-breaking form: Shami recently performed brilliantly for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. He took 15 wickets in just two matches, including a five-wicket haul against Gujarat. This performance was enough to prove his fitness and his prowess in red-ball cricket.
• Fitness Claim: The last time Shami was dropped (for the England and West Indies series), fitness was cited as a major reason. However, this time, he himself stated to the media that he was "fit and ready" and that his goal was to play for his country. His coach has also questioned this decision, calling it a 'deliberate one'.
• Third consecutive omission: Shami has been left out of the Test team for the third consecutive time, raising doubts about his future.

A chance for young talent or a sacrifice for the experienced?

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There could be several reasons behind this decision by the selectors, which could shape the future of Indian fast bowling.

1. Focus on youth (Transition Phase): Team India now appears to be in a 'transition phase'. The selectors have made Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj the main fast bowlers, while young players like Akash Deep have also been given opportunities. This could possibly be a strategy to pave the way for a new generation of fast bowlers.
2. Doubts about ability to bowl long spells: According to some reports, the selectors may have felt that 35-year-old Shami, despite bowling with short breaks in Ranji Trophy, is no longer capable of bowling long spells in Test cricket. However, his recent Ranji Trophy figures prove this doubt wrong.
3. Nature of the pitch: Considering the nature of the home pitches (Kolkata and Guwahati), where Shami's reverse swing is not as effective, the selectors may have chosen bowlers who are also effective on flat wickets. However, Shami's experience on foreign pitches (229 wickets in 64 Tests, averaging 27.72) has been invaluable.

Also Read: Watch Video: PM Modi Meeting with the Womens Indian Cricket Team

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