Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has questioned the decision to overlook Mohammed Shami, saying the veteran pacer should not have been ruled out of India’s plans while he is still performing consistently.
Shami has been away from the Indian team since the Champions Trophy last year. Despite continuing to impress in domestic cricket, the 36-year-old has not been recalled, leading to growing questions over whether his international career is nearing its end.
Arun believes India’s selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, should have kept the door open for the experienced fast bowler.
“They shouldn’t have closed the door on Shami. There is still plenty of cricket left in him,” Arun told the Indian Express. He also argued that age should not be the deciding factor when a player continues to perform and remains durable.
Shami is currently representing East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final and is set to play his 100th first-class match. The milestone comes after a strong run in domestic cricket, where he has continued to demonstrate his ability with the red ball.
The debate over Shami’s future has been ongoing for some time. Last year, Agarkar had questioned the pacer’s fitness after he was left out of India’s Test squad against the West Indies. Shami responded by pointing to his participation in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal as evidence that he was fit enough to play.
India have continued to move towards younger fast bowlers, even when Jasprit Bumrah has been unavailable. That approach has further reduced Shami’s chances of returning to the Test side.
However, East Zone captain Ishan Kishan believes Shami is still hungry for an India comeback. Kishan said he had noticed a different level of intensity and motivation from the pacer during domestic cricket this season.
According to Kishan, Shami has been demanding extra overs and showing the kind of determination expected from someone still aiming to return to the national team.
The Duleep Trophy final therefore carries added significance for Shami. Apart from marking his 100th first-class appearance, his performance could provide another reminder of what he can still offer.
With Arun publicly backing him and Kishan highlighting his hunger, the debate over whether Shami’s India career should really be considered over is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
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