New speculations have arisen involving India captain Shubman Gill over the future of the veteran pacer Mohammed Shami in the national team as the old bowler might not be used in the long term plans of Test cricket in India. Addressing a Press meeting in Kolkata, just before the first match of a 2-match series against South Africa, Gill appeared to be in line with the recent resolutions of the selectors to ignore the 35-year-old seamer even after he continues to perform well in Bengal domestic events.
“I believe you cannot easily get such a bowler as Shami Bhai, but you must look also to the bowlers who are playing at present,” said Gill when asked why Shami did not play. “They have been doing a great job up to date. Other players such as Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna have been more than impressive, with Siraj and Bumrah remaining at the helm. It is sad when players such as Shami Bhai are forced to drop out but this is what constitutes team balance and planning.”
Shubman Gill also said that the choices made in India are now more directed toward the future series and definite conditions instead of seniority and sentiment. We must get ahead in time- know what the series will need and which bowlers are best adapted to such conditions. He added that the selectors were in a better position to comment as regards the issue of fitness or selection.
Shami being left out in the South Africa Tests has elicited mixed responses, particularly with him persistently bowling lengthy spells in the on-going Ranji Trophy. The pacer, the last who played in the 2023 Champions Trophy on behalf of India, is an athlete that underwent heel surgery following the World Cup. It has been reported that although Shami has claimed he is fit, selectors and the staff of BCCI have been skeptical of his preparation to handle the physical workload of Test cricket.
It is indicated that even selectors asked Shami to play in India A matches in order to demonstrate his match fitness.
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