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Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has questioned the national selectors for leaving out the experienced pacer Mohammed Shami’s despite his strong performances in domestic cricket and his important role in India’s success at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
India recently announced its squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour, where they will play two Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is. However, Shami was once again overlooked by the selectors, leaving many surprised, and Kaif wants to know how such a strong record is being ignored. Earlier, Akash Deep credits Gautam Gambhir for standing by him during tough times.
Mohammad Kaif reminds Indian selectors of Mohammed Shami’s World Cup heroics
Mohammad Kaif has pointed out that Mohammed Shami played a major key role in taking India to the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at home. The fast bowler finished the tournament as the highest wicket-taker, claiming an incredible 24 wickets in just seven matches.
He noted that Shami helped India manage its bowling attack with five main bowlers, without making the team feel the absence of an additional bowling option after Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the World Cup with an injury.
Given that, Kaif feels the selectors should not ignore Shami’s contributions and give him an explanation over his continuous snub from the national side.
You have to keep transparency: Kaif
Mohammad Kaif was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, "No questions are asked, no BCCI selector explains the decisions, and there’s no accountability. You have to keep transparency. This is about Mohammed Shami—the player of the 2023 World Cup. If he wasn’t there, India would not have reached the final.
When Hardik Pandya got injured, Shami came in and didn’t make you feel the absence of a sixth bowler. If Mohammed Shami wasn’t there, India would’ve been searching for a sixth bowling option. Rohit Sharma took India to the final with five bowlers because Shami was the backup.”
Kaif questions BCCI as he lists Shami’s efforts
The former India cricketer also pointed out that Shami has been continuously performing well in domestic cricket, so the team management and selectors must provide transparency. Amid this, Mohammed Shami injury update: Bengal coach issues statement on Ranji Trophy absence.
Kaif further added, “Shami took 22-23 wickets in Indian conditions. So, I feel there has to be some transparency as to why the decision has been taken. He’s doing everything—playing first-class cricket, the Ranji Trophy, and taking wickets.”
Mohammad Kaif calls for clarity over Mohammed Shami
Reports suggest that concerns about his match fitness and ability to handle the demands of Test cricket have played a major role in his continued absence. Shami has also been bowling shorter spells in domestic matches, which has reportedly raised questions about his readiness for longer games.
However, Kaif does not believe shorter spells should automatically become a reason to leave Shami out. He pointed to Jasprit Bumrah, whose workload has been carefully managed in Test cricket, including during India's tour of England.
Jasprit Bumrah also bowls short spells: Kaif slams selectors
Kaif believes a similar approach could also be considered for Shami if workload management is the main concern. The former cricketer said, “I heard that he’s (Shami) bowling short spells and so not being picked. Jasprit Bumrah also bowls four-over spells in Test cricket. In England, his workload was being managed, and Shubman Gill followed it.
If one bowler is being treated in a particular way, then the same can be done for others too. There’s nothing wrong in bowling short spells if you can get the job done. So, transparency remains a grey area, which I hope should be addressed soon. Someone has to give the clarity.”
