Team India captain Shubman Gill opened up about Mohammed Shami’s absence ahead of the two-match Test series against South Africa at home. The right-handed batsman also said that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee would be in the best position to comment on Shami’s future with the team.
Shami was dropped from the 15-man squad for the upcoming series. This fast bowler has been in great form in the current Ranji Trophy season and has taken 15 wickets in just five innings. However, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee overlooked the fast bowler despite proving his fitness with the red ball.
It is difficult for players like Mohammed Shami…-Shubman Gill
Speaking to the media ahead of the opening Test, Shubman Gill admitted that it is difficult to ignore Mohammed Shami given the exceptional quality of the senior fast bowler. He said bowlers like Akash and Prasidh have performed well, making selection challenging.
“I think bowlers of his quality are very rare in the country. But you have to take into account the bowlers who are playing now, they have done a fantastic job,” Gill was quoted as saying by Inside Sport.
“And, you cannot ignore the performance of a player like Akash Deep or Prasidh Krishna. And we all know what Bumrah and Siraj are doing in Test cricket. And sometimes it is very difficult when players like Shami (brother) have to miss out,” he said.
Team India will host South Africa for the Test series, with the first match starting on Friday, November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Selectors will be able to give you better answers-Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill declined to comment on Mohammed Shami’s future, saying questions about the fast bowler’s future should be answered by the selectors.
“The selectors will be able to give you a better answer,” Gill said.
Shami has not played any Test since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. The experienced fast bowler is not in the plans at this time. He has continued to play domestic cricket regularly and has also taken wickets to keep himself a contender.
Akash Deep was given preference over Mohammed Shami for the home test.
Mohammed Shami has taken 229 wickets in 64 Test matches at an average of less than 28. He has taken 200 ODI wickets and 27 wickets in T20Is. However, India chose Akash Deep instead of Shami for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
India made only two changes in the team that went on West Indies tour. N. Rishabh Pant returned in place of Jagadeesan and Akash Deep came in place of Prasidh Krishna. The fast bowling attack will be led by fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, with Mohammed Siraj once again being a key partner.
Siraj had performed brilliantly for India by taking 23 wickets in the five-match Test series in England. Bumrah contributed 14 wickets in three matches, while Akash Deep impressed with 10 wickets in the Birmingham Test.
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