In the wake of India’s nail-biting defeat to South Africa in the 2nd ODI, a familiar voice has erupted from the commentary box: Harbhajan Singh. The veteran spinner didn’t hold back, zeroing in on a glaring omission from Team India’s bowling attack—Mohammed Shami. His pointed question, “Where is Shami? Why isn’t he playing?” has reignited a fierce national debate about the team’s strategy and its reliance on match-winners in high-stakes games .
Table of Contents
- Harbhajan’s Shock and Awe Over Shami’s Absence
- The Mohammed Shami Situation: What’s the Real Story?
- Varun Chakaravarthy: The Mystery Spinner Solution?
- Can India Win the Decider Without Bumrah and Shami?
- Conclusion: The Call for Match-Winners
- Sources
Harbhajan’s Shock and Awe Over Mohammed Shami’s Absence
Following South Africa’s historic chase of 359, Harbhajan Singh was visibly frustrated. In his post-match analysis, he didn’t just lament the loss; he challenged the very core of India’s selection policy. “We need to start winning without Jasprit Bumrah, that’s a fact,” he stated, immediately pivoting to the more pressing issue: the complete absence of Mohammed Shami from the ODI setup .
Shami, who was a joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, has not been part of the Indian team in any format since that tournament . His omission from the 15-member squad for the South Africa series was a major talking point even before the first ball was bowled . For a player of his caliber and recent track record, especially in ICC knockout matches where he boasts a staggering average of 19.76 , his exclusion seems baffling to many—including a former great like Harbhajan.
The Mohammed Shami Situation: What’s the Real Story?
So, why isn’t Mohammed Shami playing? The official line has been vague, often citing a need to manage his workload and look towards the future. There were also unconfirmed reports about his participation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Bengal, suggesting he’s being kept active in domestic cricket . However, for a series of this magnitude against a top-ranked team like South Africa, the decision to leave out one of India’s most potent and experienced wicket-takers feels like a significant gamble.
The current Indian bowling attack, featuring the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and a host of all-rounders, is more than capable. But what they may lack is the sheer, relentless pressure that a bowler like Shami can exert at the death or with the new ball. In a game decided by fine margins, that pressure can be the difference between a historic chase and a comfortable win. For fans and experts like Harbhajan, his absence is a self-inflicted wound.
Varun Chakaravarthy: The Mystery Spinner Solution?
Harbhajan didn’t just stop at questioning Shami’s absence; he offered a direct solution. He strongly suggested recalling mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to the ODI squad for the crucial decider . This is a fascinating proposition, given Chakaravarthy’s mixed but promising ODI record.
While his ODI career is still in its infancy with just 4 matches, the stats are intriguing. He has already claimed 10 wickets at an excellent average of 19.00 and a brilliant economy rate of 4.75 . Most notably, he has a five-wicket haul to his name (5/42), proving he can be a genuine match-winner on his day . In the shorter formats, such X-factor players can disrupt even the most settled batting lineups, which is precisely the kind of impact India might need to counter South Africa’s explosive middle order.
His potential inclusion would add a new dimension to India’s attack, complementing the more traditional spin of Kuldeep Yadav. It’s a bold suggestion from Harbhajan, one that prioritizes high-risk, high-reward options over safer, more predictable choices.
Can India Win the Decider Without Bumrah and Shami?
The series is now perfectly poised at 1-1, setting up a thrilling final ODI. The challenge for Team India is monumental. They must find a way to win a high-pressure game without their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, and without the proven experience of Mohammed Shami. The onus will be on the likes of Mohammed Siraj to lead the pace attack and the batting trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul to post or chase a formidable total .
Harbhajan’s core message is a wake-up call: in modern, high-intensity cricket, you need your best match-winners on the field. The current squad, while talented, may be missing that final, killer edge that players like Shami and a wildcard like Chakaravarthy can provide. The selectors have a major call to make before the decider.
Conclusion: The Call for Match-Winners
Harbhajan Singh’s outburst is more than just post-match frustration; it’s a reflection of a growing sentiment among fans and pundits. The question “Where is Mohammed Shami?” is symbolic. It’s a demand for the team to field its strongest, most proven XI, especially in a must-win game. Whether the management listens to this call and considers a bold move like bringing in Varun Chakaravarthy remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the pressure is on for Team India to deliver in the series decider, and they’ll need every bit of their firepower to do so. For more on team selection strategies, check out our in-depth guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:cricket-team-selection-tactics].