Mohammed Shami has not represented India since March 2025, when he was part of the squad that lifted the Champions Trophy. Despite reports suggesting a possible comeback, the veteran pacer was once again left out when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

The omission has not gone down well with Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who openly questioned the selection committee’s decision. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar had earlier maintained that fitness concerns were the primary reason behind Shami’s absence from the national setup.

However, Shami’s recent domestic performances paint a different picture. The 34-year-old has been in constant action since the start of the 2025–26 domestic season, emerging as Bengal’s second-highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy and finishing as the leading wicket-taker in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. With form and match fitness seemingly intact, questions have been raised over the continued exclusion of one of India’s most experienced fast bowlers.

The selectors have instead opted to invest in younger pace options for the New Zealand series, naming Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana in the squad. With ample time remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup, the BCCI has also chosen to rest Jasprit Bumrah as part of workload management.

Shukla, however, believes leaving out Shami sends the wrong message to domestic performers. He described the decision as “shameful” and argued that it undermines the value of sustained performances in India’s domestic circuit, especially from a player who has delivered consistently for the national team over the years.

“The selection committee has done injustice to Mohammed Shami. No international player has played domestic cricket with as much dedication as Shami in recent times. Even after working so hard in domestic cricket, what has been done to him is shameful,” Shukla said.

While the BCCI’s approach appears to be focused on long-term planning, concerns remain over whether experience is being sacrificed prematurely. With no certainty over Shami’s availability for the 2027 World Cup, the selectors seem keen to build depth by giving extended opportunities to bowlers like Prasidh and Harshit, who have limited ODI experience.

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