New Delhi, October 16, 2025 — Cricket legend AB de Villiers has raised eyebrows with a candid observation: India might be quietly transitioning away from one of its biggest stars of the 2023 ODI World Cup—fast bowler Mohammed Shami.
Shami, who finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps in just 7 matches, has been left out of India’s white-ball squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. The omission comes amid ongoing injury concerns and a prolonged absence from international cricket.
Mohammed Shami’s Absence Sparks Transition Talk
“It feels like India may have moved on,” de Villiers said during a recent podcast appearance. “Shami was phenomenal in 2023—arguably the backbone of their bowling attack. But with his age, fitness issues, and the emergence of younger pacers, selectors might be looking toward the future.”
At 34, Shami has battled a series of injuries since the World Cup, including a persistent ankle issue that kept him out of the 2024 T20 World Cup and most of the IPL. He hasn’t represented India in any format since November 2023.
Why Was Shami Left Out of the Australia Tour?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t officially commented, but insiders cite three key reasons:
- Fitness concerns: Shami failed a recent Yo-Yo endurance test required for national selection.
- Workload management: With the 2025 Champions Trophy on the horizon, selectors are prioritizing younger quicks like Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh.
- Form uncertainty: Shami has played only one domestic match this season—for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—where he bowled just 6 overs.
From World Cup Hero to Domestic Comeback
Shami is currently training with Bengal’s domestic squad, aiming to prove his fitness ahead of the Ranji Trophy. Sources close to the player say he’s “determined to fight his way back” and isn’t considering retirement.
Still, the writing may be on the wall. In the last 12 months, India has fielded five different pace-bowling combinations in ODIs, none including Shami.
What AB de Villiers’ Comments Mean for Indian Cricket
De Villiers, known for his sharp cricketing insight, isn’t alone in sensing a shift. Former Indian selector Saba Karim recently noted, “The cycle has to turn. You can’t rely on the same heroes forever.”
India’s pace attack is undergoing a quiet but significant evolution:
| Bowler | Age | Role | Recent Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | 34 | Strike seamer | Not selected since Nov 2023 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 31 | Lead pacer | Regular in all formats |
| Arshdeep Singh | 25 | Death overs specialist | Key in white-ball squads |
| Mukesh Kumar | 30 | Swing bowler | Featured in 2024 ODIs |
[INTERNAL_LINK:India-Cricket-Team] now faces a delicate balancing act: honoring legacy while building for the next World Cup cycle.
Fan Reaction and Legacy
Indian fans remain divided. While some applaud the focus on youth, others argue Shami’s experience is irreplaceable—especially in Australian conditions where reverse swing plays a crucial role.
“You don’t just replace 24 World Cup wickets with hope,” tweeted one fan, echoing a common sentiment.
What’s Next for Shami?
All eyes will be on the upcoming domestic season. If Shami returns to full fitness and dominates in the Ranji Trophy, a recall for the 2025 Champions Trophy isn’t out of the question. But time—and selectors—are not on his side.