The omission of Mohammed Shami from India’s ODI squad for the upcoming New Zealand series has triggered strong reactions from the domestic cricket circuit, with Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla openly criticising the national selectors. Despite Shami’s consistent performances in domestic tournaments and his determined comeback following injury setbacks, the experienced fast bowler once again found himself overlooked when the BCCI announced the squad.
Shami, who last represented India during the triumphant Champions Trophy campaign, has spent the past several months rebuilding form and fitness through rigorous domestic cricket. With the BCCI recently stressing the importance of domestic performances as a pathway back to international selection, expectations were high that Shami’s efforts would be rewarded, especially with senior pacers like Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the series starting January 11.
However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel opted for other seamers, naming five pace options but leaving out the Bengal stalwart. The decision did not sit well with Shukla, who has closely monitored Shami’s progress. Speaking after the squad announcement, the Bengal coach described the snub as unfair, stating that no international player had shown as much commitment to domestic cricket recently as Shami. According to him, ignoring such dedication sends the wrong message to players striving to earn national recall through local tournaments.
Shami’s domestic numbers further fuel the debate. He claimed 16 wickets in seven matches during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and followed it up with 11 wickets in just five matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing both rhythm and sharpness in the longer format. At 35, Shami is regarded as a senior campaigner, yet his ability to swing the ball and deliver match-winning spells remains evident.
The fast bowler has reportedly had differences with the selection panel in recent months, growing frustrated with repeated omissions despite strong performances. While Indian team management appears to be backing a younger pace group ahead of the upcoming ICC events, critics argue that experience and proven pedigree still hold immense value, particularly in ODI cricket.
India will begin their ODI series against New Zealand in Vadodara, followed by a five-match T20I series ahead of the home T20 World Cup. The pace attack for the ODIs will be led by Arshdeep Singh Mohammed Siraj Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana with Nitish Kumar Reddy providing all-round depth. Shami’s absence continues to spark discussion around selection policies and whether domestic excellence is truly being rewarded at the highest level.
