Mohammad Kaif blasts Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar for ignoring Mohammed Shami for South Africa ODIs

Former Team India cricketer Mohammad Kaif raised questions over veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s absence during the ODI series against South Africa. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Shami’s experience should have been invaluable to the side in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj’s absence.

India secured a 17-run victory in the opening ODI in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The home team posted a total of 349/8 on a batting-friendly pitch. In reply, South Africa were dismissed for 332 runs. India went into the match with a young pace attack, featuring Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna.

Don’t Know Why Mohammed Shami Is Not Playing Still - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif believes India missed Mohammed Shami’s presence in the first ODI against South Africa. He stated that Shami is the kind of bowler who can take wickets on any surface. Kaif added that the team lacked a senior figure in the pace unit during tense moments of the match.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"The question is valid. No matter what kind of pitch it is, a bowler like Shami does not care if it is flat. He has so much class that he finds ways to pick wickets there as well," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

"I don't know why he is not playing still, because Bumrah and Siraj have been rested. The young pacers would also benefit from his presence. There is no senior pacer to tell the likes of Prasidh, Harshit, and Arshdeep what to do under pressure. India missed this," he added.

Shami has not played for India since the Champions Trophy earlier this year, as injury and fitness issues kept him out of the national setup. He has remained active in domestic cricket to regain rhythm and match fitness.

Shami took 20 wickets in just four matches for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. He has also been part of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he has picked up four wickets in three games.

Harshit Rana Made Solid Use of the New Ball - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif also said that Harshit Rana, who finished with figures of 3/65 from his 10 overs, made good use of the new ball. He noted that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were constantly guiding the young bowlers, offering advice during crucial moments.

"Harshit Rana bowled on good lengths. He was bowling short, but here he kept his lengths ahead. He made solid use of the new ball. Rohit and Virat were also giving him advice on the field. This is what I am saying, youngsters will do well under seniors, and this has always been the case with Indian cricket."

"How many times we saw Virat going and talking to Arshdeep and Prasidh. Rohit was giving inputs too. They want India to win even if they are not leading. They don't care about credit. They spoke a lot to the bowlers, and the results were evident," Kaif stated.

Jaiswal Will Have to Work a Bit Against Left-Arm Pacers - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif also shared his thoughts on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal in the first ODI. Kaif said that Jaiswal needs to improve his technique against left-arm pace, adding that playing closer to the line of the off-stump would help him avoid caught-behind dismissals.

"Jaiswal will have to work a bit against left-arm pacers. You cannot get caught behind on a good batting pitch. There is some need for improvement in technique. Virat could hit those sixes because he completely presented the face of the bat. Jaiswal will have to do that. He needs to open the face of the bat and play on the line of the off-stump. He is a good batter," Kaif said.

Also read: Usman Khawaja keeps opening spot for Brisbane Test vs England; Travis Head forced out of top order