Why Mohammed Shami Was Dropped from India ODI Squad, Is Career Over?

Image Source: X

Why Mohammed Shami Was Dropped from India ODI Squad, Is ODI Career Over?: When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Team India for the upcoming ODI tour of Australia, while the appointment of Shubman Gill as the new captain and the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made headlines, two big names were missing: all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami.

Shami, who was an integral part of India's Champions Trophy-winning team just a few months ago and was also the top wicket-taker in the 2023 World Cup, has raised many questions in the minds of cricket fans.

Why was Mohammed Shami not selected against Australia?

Image Source: X

The decision to leave Mohammed Shami out seems a shock, especially considering his recent performances. However, the selection committee has clearly indicated that this change is part of future preparations. The following could be the main reasons behind Shami's non-selection:

1. Focus on young players (preparation for the 2027 World Cup)

The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is now focusing on preparing the team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. As part of this plan, the team is being included with young and fit players who can serve the country for the next few years.

• In the fast bowling unit, Mohammed Siraj has been given a chance along with Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and young Harshit Rana. All of these bowlers are much younger than Shami and are considered better options for the long term.
• It is believed that 35-year-old Mohammed Shami will now be selected only when needed, while the young core will be given consistent opportunities.

Also Read: Why was Rohit Sharma removed from India ODI captaincy?

2. Consistent Cricket and Workload Management

Mohammed Shami has been struggling with injuries for the past few years. Although he has proven his fitness and made comebacks, the selectors may not want to take any risks with his workload now.

• The Australia tour is a long one, including a T20I series (for which Shami was not selected). The selectors want to keep him fresh by keeping him out of the ODI format, especially since Jasprit Bumrah has also been rested for the ODI series.
• However, this argument is weakened as Shami recently returned to domestic cricket (Duleep Trophy), which proves his fitness.

3. Inconsistency in performance and the emergence of new options

Shami performed brilliantly in the 2023 World Cup and Champions Trophy, but has been out of the Test and T20I squads since then.

• His performance in the IPL 2025 season was also not as impressive.
• On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj has been performing consistently well in the ODI format, and young players like Harshit Rana are emerging rapidly, receiving full support from Gautam Gambhir's coaching and Agarkar's selection committee.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Replacement: India Next ODI Opener?, 3 Strong Options

Is this the end of Mohammed Shami's ODI career?

Image Source: X

Mohammed Shami is one of the most successful ODI fast bowlers in Indian cricket history. 206 wickets in 108 matches and a record six five-wicket hauls are a testament to his ability.

Omission from the Australia tour doesn't mean the end of his career, but it is a clear indication that the selection committee is now looking beyond him. If Shami wants to make the 2027 World Cup squad, he will have to consistently prove his form and fitness in domestic cricket, as the door is now open for younger players.

This marks the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket, with Shubman Gill taking the helm and the team management working to nurture young talent.

Ravindra Jadeja also out, what is the reason?

Image Source: X

Apart from Mohammed Shami, the exclusion of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the team was also a major decision. Agarkar clarified that this was done for a strategic balance.

• India doesn't need too many spinners on Australia's bouncy wickets.
• The team already has three spinners (Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar). Axar Patel was preferred over Jadeja so that the team doesn't have two similar left-arm spin-bowling all-rounders.
• However, Agarkar made it clear that Jadeja remains an important part of the ODI plans.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Replacement: India Next ODI Opener?, 3 Strong Options

---