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Indian pacer Mohammed Shami in action. (PHOTO: PTI)
After veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami failed to make the cut of the 15-player Indian team for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has expressed his surprise over this decision. Shami has been struggling to make his comeback in the national team since coming back from the lengthy injury break.
“It is a big call from Team India. It feels like, in a certain way, they’ve moved on from him. I don’t know the behind-the-scenes story, if there maybe a couple of niggles he’s still carrying. Maybe he lost a yard of pace and he doesn’t quite have that zip that he used to. Those could all play a part. It doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for him,” said de Villiers on his YouTube channel while discussing Shami’s omission.
“If he can still find that extra yard of pace, as that is one thing I picked up – He lost a little bit of pace recently and maybe that is the reason why he is not in the national team anymore. But hopefully he makes a really good comeback. I am a big fan of Shami, he’s a wonderful bowler. Always asks questions of the batters,” he added.
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Shami has played seven ODIs and two T20Is earlier this year. Five of those ODI matches came in India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign. While Shami was tied with Varun Chakravarthy for India’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament, he also averaged 25.88.
De Villiers shared his disappointment over Shami’s snub and added: “He’s a wicket-to-wicket bowler and a great asset to have in the team if he’s in form, fit and raring to go. Obviously it is very disappointing not to see him there as he’s a very entertaining performer for Team India,” said de Villiers
The Bengal pacer was the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 scalps in seven games at an average of 10.70, including three 5-wicket hauls. Meanwhile, India’s three-match ODI series in Australia begins in Perth on October 19.
Not considered for West Indies Test series as well
Shami was also not considered for the home Test series against West Indies as India chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said that he had no updates on the 35-year-old’s fitness and the latter said that keeping the selectors informed about his status. Shami, however, clarified his stance and indicated that he has no fitness concerns bothering him at the moment and could have played the West Indies series had he been selected.
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“I have said this before… Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal,” Shami told reporters on the eve of Bengal’s Ranji opener against Uttarakhand at the Eden Gardens. Additionally, Shami had not been picked for India’s upcoming limited overs tour of Australia either, in which they play three ODIs and five T20Is.
“I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket,” he said, when asked about the omission for the Australia tour.
“About giving an update, it’s not my responsibility to give an update or ask for an update. It’s not my job to give updates on my fitness. My job is to go to the NCA (Centre of Excellence), prepare and play matches. Woh unki baat hai unko kaun update deta hai, kisne nahin diya (That’s their matter who gives them updates or not). It’s not my responsibility,” he said.
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