Star Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has not been included in the Team India squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. This decision has sparked significant controversy and criticism in the cricket world.
India vs South Africa Test Series: When Team India's squad was announced for the two-match Test series against South Africa, one name was missing — and that was Mohammed Shami. Shami has been out of the team for a long time, and his last international match was in the Champions Trophy. He hasn't played for India in Test cricket for quite some time.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI have faced b criticism for overlooking him. Shami recently delivered a stellar performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he took a total of 15 wickets in the initial two matches. Despite this, he was not selected for the South Africa series. Shami's coach, Mohammed Badaruddin, is deeply disappointed with this decision and has severely criticized Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI.
Shami's Stellar Performance Overlooked
Recently, Shami delivered an excellent performance in the Ranji Trophy. In the initial two matches, he bagged a total of 15 wickets, proving his fitness and form. Despite this, he was not included in the squad for the South Africa series. Shami's coach, Mohammed Badaruddin, told India Today,
'Shami is fit and performing brilliantly, but the selectors are ignoring him. This is clear. There is no other reason against him that I can understand. When a player is taking 15 wickets in two matches, he doesn't seem unfit from anywhere. The selectors are just ignoring him, nothing else. Only they can tell the reason for this.'
Badaruddin stated that Shami was not even selected for the India-A team, and subsequently, he didn't find a place in the senior team. He added,
'I believe they had already decided not to select Shami. When you pick a Test team, it should only be based on Ranji Trophy performance and fitness. If selection is made on the basis of T20 or other formats, then it is not right.'
He also clarified that the selectors' decision is not based on any performance or fitness issues. According to him, it is just an excuse. To say that Shami is not fit or needs match practice is entirely wrong. They already have a plan regarding who to play and who not to.
Ajit Agarkar and BCCI Become Focus of Criticism
The decision to not select Shami has not only angered fans but also many former cricketers and experts. This issue is rapidly going viral on social media and within the cricket community. Critics argue that overlooking an experienced fast bowler like Shami is a risky decision for the Indian team in Test cricket.
Mohammed Shami has delivered successful performances for the Indian team in Test cricket on numerous occasions. His raw pace and ability to bowl yorkers make him one of the world's best fast bowlers. Although he hasn't played Test matches for India for a long time, his recent performance in the Ranji Trophy indicates that he is fully fit and match-ready.
