Follow UsNot too long ago, Mohammed Shami was a three-format player for India, but now the 35-year-old finds himself out of the Indian set-up completely, having not just been overlooked for the home Tests against West Indies but also the ODIs and T20Is against Australia.
Shami played a part in India’s victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, but, with every passing week, that tournament looks like the final chapter in Shami’s India book, with the right-arm bowler fully out of the red-ball picture, and now overlooked in his best format, 50-over cricket, as well.
With him having had a tough IPL 2025 as well, it’s been a tough few months for Shami, and he finally opened up on his omission from the national team.
“People want to know my opinion on the non-selection for the Australia series. I will just say that getting selected is not in my hands; it's the job of the selection committee, coach, and captain. If they feel I should be there, they will select me, or if they feel some more time is needed, it's in their hands. I am ready and practicing,” Shami said on his YouTube channel, reported Times of India.
Many believe that Shami has been overlooked by the selectors due to concerns over fitness, but the 35-year-old asserted that he’s fully fit, and there are no issues with his rhythm either.
“My fitness is also good. I will try to do better because when you are away from the ground, you need to remain motivated. I played in the Duleep Trophy. I felt very comfortable, my rhythm was good, and I bowled around 35 overs. There are no issues with my fitness,” he said.
Shami will now aim to make an India comeback by impressing for Bengal in the domestic circuit. Alternatively, he, like Ashwin, can retire from Indian cricket altogether and go the franchise route.