The cricketing world is buzzing with a single, burning question: Why is Mohammed Shami not playing? India has just kicked off its ODI series against South Africa, a crucial contest that’s meant to build a new-look team for the future. Yet, the squad is missing its most experienced and in-form pacer, sparking a fierce debate that goes beyond just one selection.
Table of Contents
- The Shami Exclusion Puzzle
- Domestic Form and Champions Trophy Heroics
- Mohammad Kaif Raises the Alarm
- The Official Line: Fitness and Workload
- What India is Missing Without Shami
- Conclusion: A Premature End?
- Sources
The Shami Exclusion Puzzle
The Shami exclusion from the South Africa ODI squad is more than just a surprise—it’s a strategic gamble that’s hard to justify on paper. With both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj being rested for the tour, the selectors had a golden opportunity to blend youth with experience by including Shami. Instead, they’ve opted for a completely new pace attack featuring Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep. While nurturing young talent is essential, sidelining a proven match-winner like Shami, especially when senior bowlers are absent, raises serious questions about the selection committee’s long-term planning .
Domestic Form and Champions Trophy Heroics
The argument for Shami’s inclusion is backed by hard data, not just sentiment. In the recently concluded 2024-25 domestic season, Shami made a roaring comeback in the Ranji Trophy. In his first match back, he was a force to be reckoned with, claiming a seven-wicket haul and even contributing a quickfire 36 with the bat—proof of his all-around readiness .
His international form is even more compelling. During the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Shami was India’s joint-highest wicket-taker. He consistently delivered in high-pressure games, showcasing his ability to swing the new ball and execute the death overs with lethal precision . His performance was a cornerstone of India’s campaign, making his sudden omission from the very next ODI assignment seem illogical to many observers.
Mohammad Kaif Raises the Alarm
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has become the most prominent voice challenging the selectors’ decision. Voicing a sentiment shared by millions of fans, Kaif was blunt in his assessment: “I don’t know why he is not playing still” . He went on to praise Shami’s skills, suggesting the veteran pacer is not far behind even a world-class bowler like Bumrah in terms of his current abilities and cricketing IQ .
Kaif’s comments strike at the heart of the issue. In a young bowling unit, Shami’s presence would offer more than just wickets; he would provide on-field mentorship, tactical nous, and a calming influence during high-stress moments against a formidable South African batting lineup. His exclusion feels less like a cricketing decision and more like an administrative one.
The Official Line: Fitness and Workload
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has offered a standard justification for the Shami exclusion: fitness and workload management . After a grueling international schedule over the past few years, which included playing through injuries in major tournaments, the BCCI appears to be taking a cautious, long-term view of Shami’s career.
While this reasoning makes sense from a player longevity perspective, it’s hard to reconcile with his recent on-field output. His domestic figures and Champions Trophy performance suggest he’s not just fit, but at the peak of his powers. If the goal is to manage his workload, a more balanced approach might have been to include him for one or two of the three ODIs, allowing him to guide the new bowlers before stepping back. A complete exclusion feels like an overcorrection.
What India is Missing Without Shami
Losing Shami from the lineup isn’t just about losing a bowler; it’s about losing a complete skillset that’s hard to replicate. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the current Indian attack is missing:
- Master of the New Ball: Shami’s ability to swing the ball both ways in the powerplay has been a consistent wicket-taking threat for India.
- Death Overs Specialist: His pinpoint yorkers and clever variations at the death are a product of years of experience at the highest level.
- Tactical Acumen: As a senior player, he understands how to build pressure and set traps for batters, a skill that’s invaluable for a team in transition.
- Mentorship: With Bumrah and Siraj out, his presence in the dressing room and on the field would have been a massive boost for the likes of Arshdeep and Akash Deep .
Without him, India’s bowling attack, while energetic, lacks the seasoned control that often makes the difference between a good performance and a match-winning one.
Conclusion: A Premature End?
The Shami exclusion from the South Africa series feels like a premature writing-off of a world-class talent who is demonstrably still at the top of his game. While the intent to build for the future is clear, cricket history is full of examples where experienced heads have been the bridge that helped young players succeed. Mohammad Kaif’s public surprise is a reflection of a wider fan sentiment: that this decision might cost India more than just a few wickets. It might cost them the series, and more importantly, a vital opportunity to blend experience with exuberance for a stronger, more resilient team in the years to come. For more on India’s current squad strategy, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-young-cricketers-rise].
Sources
1. Times of India: Shami’s exclusion sparks fresh debate
2. ICC: Champions Trophy 2025 Records and Stats
3. ESPNcricinfo: Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Stats