Follow UsSouth African great AB de Villiers believes India may have moved past 35-year-old pacer Mohammed Shami, who last featured for the national side in the 2025 Champions Trophy held in February-March, where he finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker.
Since then, the Bengal seamer has been overlooked across formats. He neither made the cut for the five-match Test series in England nor the recently concluded two-match home Test series against West Indies. Shami, whose last Test appearance came in June 2023, has also been left out of the squads for the upcoming three ODIs and five T20Is in Australia.
When asked about Shami’s absence, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar said he wasn’t aware of the bowler’s fitness status. Shami, however, has publicly stated that he is fully fit and has no issues with his rhythm.
"It is a big call from Team India. It feels like, in a certain way, they've moved on from him. I don't know the behind-the-scenes story, if there maybe a couple of niggles he's still carrying,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel, as reported by the Times of India.
“Maybe he lost a yard of pace, and he doesn't quite have that zip that he used to. Those could all play a part. It doesn't mean it's the end of the road for him.
"If he can still find that extra yard of pace, as that is one thing I picked up - He lost a little bit of pace recently and maybe that is the reason why he is not in the national team anymore.”
Despite his absence from international cricket, Shami has remained active in domestic competitions. He recently turned out for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy and is currently representing Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand, where he returned figures of 3/37 in 14.5 overs in the first innings.
De Villiers also expressed admiration for Shami’s skillset and lamented his exclusion. "He's a wonderful bowler. Always asks questions of the batters. He's a wicket-to-wicket bowler and a great asset to have in the team if he's in form, fit and raring to go.
“Obviously, it is very disappointing not to see him there as he's a very entertaining performer for Team India."