Shami vs Selectors: Who is Telling the Truth About the England Tour Snub?: Reports of Mohammed Shami's return to Team India have been stirring the cricketing world for some time. Shami, who made his comeback in the Champions Trophy after the 2023 ODI World Cup, has been absent from all three formats since then. However, a major revelation has now emerged regarding his return, creating a stir on social media.
Did Shami himself refuse to go on the England tour?
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For the past few years, whenever Shami has been questioned about his return, he has targeted the selectors without naming them. He openly stated that he had not been contacted by the selectors.
Truth Behind Mohammed Shami Absence from Team India: However, the information that has now emerged completely contradicts this claim. According to sources, Shami himself refused to go on the England tour. This revelation has given a new twist to the ongoing controversy over the 'communication gap' between the selectors and the player.
The selectors wanted Shami, but he did not respond.
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BCCI sources have dismissed Shami's allegations as false. A senior board official shed light on this, saying:
"There have been several instances where the national selectors and the BCCI Centre of Excellence support staff have called Shami to inquire about his well-being. The selection committee was desperate to have his services in England, as Jasprit Bumrah had missed more than three Tests. Who wouldn't want a bowler of his caliber in English conditions?"
It has been learned that a senior member of the selection committee sent a message to Shami to inquire about his fitness and requested him to play at least one match for India A against the England Lions to assess his fitness.
In response, the fast bowler reportedly said that he still needs to increase his workload and should not be considered for the series against England.
This incident makes it clear that Shami's claim that he had no communication with him is "completely untrue."
Also Read: Is KL Rahul leaving Delhi Capitals (DC)?, Will a trade with KKR happen?
Is Shami's cricket career over? Fitness challenges
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35-year-old Mohammed Shami bowled 93 overs in the recent Ranji Trophy, but despite this, it seems unlikely that he will play Test cricket again. The main reason for this is the new direction of Indian cricket and the questions raised about Shami's fitness.
- Extra Options: India's Test team now has young and good options like Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep, due to which Shami appears to be lagging behind in the race for a Test spot.
- Fitness doubts: Test cricket requires long spells. Currently, Shami is bowling mostly short spells in Ranji Trophy cricket. The medical team is also reviewing his medical reports to assess whether his body is capable of withstanding the rigors of international cricket.
- ODIs also difficult: Shami's only option left is ODI cricket. However, the next ODI World Cup will be in 2027, by which time Shami will be 37 years old. Given his career plagued by injuries (particularly knee problems), the team management may not want to risk retaining an aging fast bowler.
In this entire controversy, it is clear that the selectors wanted Shami's services, while Shami kept himself away, citing fitness or increased workload.
- Shami's position: Shami considers himself fit, especially for 50-over cricket, and wants a chance.
- Selectors' position: The selectors and medical team want to decide whether he is suitable for the role only after reviewing his medical report and recent workload.
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