Manoj Tiwary tells BCCI not to include Mohammed Shami in squad for BGT 2024-25 if...

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has warned Ajit Agarkar and his selection committee of selecting an unfit Mohammed Shami for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Tiwary feels that Shami should be selected only when he is fully fit.

Mohammed Shami is currently recovering from a surgery that he had earlier this year. While he has already started bowling at full tilt, he is still in the process of completing his rehabilitation.

He was not included in the Bengal squad for the first two Ranji Trophy matches, beginning on October 11. Before traveling to Australia, Shami is also likely to play a Test match against New Zealand.

Also read: Travis Head set to dominate India as opener in BGT 2024-25? Ian Chappell drops bold verdict

Manoj Tiwary warns India of selecting an unfit Mohammed Shami

While speaking to RevSportz, Manoj Tiwary cautioned the Indian selectors of selecting Mohammed Shami despite not being fully fit. Tiwary feels that Shami should not be selected for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy if he is 80 percent fit.

"No, how can you take him (Mohammed Shami) if he is 80 percent fit. In that case, there are chances of breakdown. If someone is not 100 percent fit, then he should not play. If you look at the long term, a player should not be risked if he is not 100 percent fit," Tiwary said.

🚨 Breaking & Exclusive

Manoj Tiwary: Mohammed Shami Shouldn't Be Picked for Australia Tour Unless Fully Fit – Other Options Available.@ThumsUpOfficial @tiwarymanoj @CricSubhayan @BoriaMajumdar #MohammedShami #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/ZZiAi4MSFg

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 6, 2024

Mohammed Shami is an asset for India - Manoj Tiwary

Tiwary also feels that it is important for Shami to be 100 percent fit as there are a no. of white-ball tournaments for India in the upcoming years. The former Bengal cricketer reckons that India have replacements for Shami and there is no need to risk him.

"He is an asset (for India). There is a T20 World Cup in the upcoming years and there are many more tournaments as well. You can carry him and complete his rehab. But it is important to be 100 percent fit because you are representing India and not any state or club cricket," Tiwary noted.

"We have the bowlers who can replace him and fill the gap. Obviously, you won't get the experience and quality like him but you need look at the others as well. Whenever Shami is hundred percent fit, he should be the first name along with Jasprit Bumrah," he added.

India's strong fast bowling line-up

India have a strong core of fast bowlers who will be the premier weapon in the Test series in Australia later this year. Jasprit Bumrah is the spearhead of the attack with Mohammed Siraj accompanying him.

If Shami gets fit in time, the trio of Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami will be a huge threat for the Australian batters. Apart from these three fast bowlers, young Akash Deep has also proved his credentials in red-ball cricket recently.

Akash has played just three Tests so far but has shown that he is there for the long haul. He can bowl consistently on a good line and length and also has a good pace to trouble the batters.