Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Is Mohammed Shami's India Cricket Career Over After Being Dropped?
A talented Indian cricket bowler named Mohammed Shami, who is 35 years old, has not been chosen for the next big Test matches even though he played well in a smaller tournament.
His old coach thinks this is unfair and that the people picking the team already decided not to pick him anymore, no matter how well he plays.
The coach believes they should pick players based on their performance in Test matches, not for shorter games.
However, another cricket expert says it's not the end of Shami's career yet.
He thinks Shami might get another chance if he keeps playing well and stays healthy.
The selectors might be looking for younger players, but with many games and potential injuries, there could still be a spot for Shami.
The main disagreement is whether Shami is being unfairly left out or if the selectors are making reasonable choices for the team's future.
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, 35, was controversially left out of India's squad for the Test series against South Africa.
Shami demonstrated strong form and fitness in recent Ranji Trophy matches, taking 15 wickets in two games.
His childhood coach, Mohammed Badruddin, claims the selectors have pre-decided against picking Shami and are using excuses like fitness.
Commentator Aakash Chopra suggests Shami's career is not over and he could still get a chance if he continues to perform and remains fit.
The exclusion is seen by some as a move towards prioritizing younger talent in India's pace attack, while others argue Shami's experience and form warrant his inclusion.
- Who
- Mohammed Shami, Indian cricket selectors, childhood coach Mohammed Badruddin, commentator Aakash Chopra
- What
- Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami was excluded from India's squad for the Test series against South Africa, sparking debate about his future.
- When
- Squad announced recently for the upcoming series against South Africa.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Debate centers on whether the exclusion is due to fitness concerns, a selector bias towards younger players, or a pre-decided move by the selection committee.
Shami is Being Unfairly Overlooked
Shami's Exclusion is Justified or Temporary
Selection Rationale
Shami is Being Unfairly Overlooked
The selection committee has pre-decided not to pick Shami, regardless of his domestic performance. Decisions are being made using T20 metrics for Test selection, which is incorrect.
Shami's Exclusion is Justified or Temporary
Selectors are prioritizing youth and current form, with emerging pacers in the squad. Shami can get another chance if he continues to perform and stays fit for a full season.
Fitness and Performance
Shami is Being Unfairly Overlooked
Shami's fitness is not a concern; his Ranji Trophy performance (15 wickets in two games) proves he is fit and in form. The fitness excuse is untrue.
Shami's Exclusion is Justified or Temporary
While Shami performed well, fitness and match practice might be genuine concerns or reasons for caution, especially with a strong current pace attack. Injuries and workload management also play a role.
Future Prospects
Shami is Being Unfairly Overlooked
Shami deserves to be back in the team and has the potential for a strong comeback that will silence critics. He has done too much for India to be ignored.
Shami's Exclusion is Justified or Temporary
It's too early to say Shami's career is over. While he's been dropped, no final decision has been made, and he could be recalled if circumstances and his performance align.
- Player
- Mohammed Shami
- Age
- 35
- Recent Domestic Performance
- 15 wickets in 2 Ranji Trophy games
- Ignored For
- Home Test series vs South Africa, India A squads
- Childhood Coach's View
- Unfair, premeditated, selectors are overlooking him
- Commentator's View
- Not curtains; chance can come again if he performs and stays fit