Mohammed Shami no longer a part of India's future? Rohit Sharma answers

India captain Rohit Sharma has slammed a journalist who questioned his poor form in domestic cricket. Rohit also reminded everyone of Shami's exceptional performances in the ODI World Cup 2023 and backed him to do well in the upcoming ODI series against England.

Mohammed Shami made his return to professional cricket after the Achilles tendon surgery in the Ranji Trophy last year. He then played the whole season of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal.

While he wasn't at his best, the fast bowler ensured to bowl a lot of overs under his belt. He finally made his international return in India's T20I series against England where he was taken for runs but was also amongst the wickets.

Also read: England playing XI for 1st ODI against India announced, Joe Root returns

Rohit Sharma backs Mohammed Shami for IND vs ENG ODIs

During a press conference on the eve of the first ODI between India and England at Nagpur, Rohit Sharma was asked about Mohammed Shami's poor returns in domestic cricket before making an international comeback.

Rohit asked everyone not to judge players just based on a few domestic games. He reminded everyone of Shami's constant workload in the last decade and spoke about his performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 where he was outstanding.

“He (Mohammed Shami) has not played cricket for a year and a half. Don’t be quick to judge players. The boy has been playing cricket for the last 10-12 years and performed for the team. He bowled so well in the (ODI) World Cup. If he doesn’t get the results in some domestic matches as expected, it doesn’t make him a bad bowler,” Rohit observed.

"We have a short-term memory" - Rohit Sharma

Further speaking on Mohammed Shami's performances, Rohit Sharma slammed the journalist for a short-term memory. He believes that Shami has won India a no. of games in the past and it must be considered before speaking on his current form.

“He has bowled so much, taken so many wickets, and won many games, so think about it. We just see what has happened now, but don’t see what has happened in the past. We have a short-term memory. He single-handedly won us matches in the World Cup, and took a lot of five-wicket hauls,” Shami added.

Mohammed Shami didn't play the first few games of the ODI World Cup 2023 but came into the Playing XI after the injury to Hardik Pandya midway through the tournament. He took the tournament by storm and emerged as the best bowler.

Despite not playing all the games, Shami emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 24 wickets in 7 matches at an exceptional average of 10.70. It also included a brilliant 7-57 against New Zealand in the semi-final.

Mohammed Shami key to India in Champions Trophy

Despite limited matches in domestic cricket, Mohammed Shami was selected in India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad on the back of his experience and impressive performances in the ODI World Cup 2023.

The 34-year-old has an excellent ODI record in which he has picked up 195 wickets in 101 ODIs at an average of 23.68 with 5 five-wicket hauls. Shami was hopeful of an international comeback in India's home Test season and was then slated to play a big role in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

However, he suffered swelling on his knee during the rehabilitation which further delayed his comeback. With the suspense over Jasprit Bumrah's availability, Shami will be key to India's bowling line-up in the upcoming Champions Trophy.