Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar gave his views on the exclusion of Mohammed Shami as he felt India were looking beyond him now. The Test team for the record was announced on November 5th by BCCI and the big talking point was the exclusion of Mohammed Shami and the inclusion of Akash Deep. Akash missed the West Indies series due to injury but now is back in the side. The decision to exclude Shami came as a surprise to fans and experts of the game because the Amroha-based cricketer, who represents Bengal in domestic cricket is in red-hot form this season.
He made a case for selection in the Test side by proving his fitness in the Ranji Trophy and also by taking 15 wickets in the first two matches of the premier domestic competition of India. The decision to snub Shami made a lot of headlines and many experts had their views on it from various quarters.
Abhishek Nayar’s views on the exclusion of Mohammed Shami
During a recent Star Sports show, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar was also asked about his views on BCCI’s decision to include Akash Deep but ignore Shami for the South Africa Tests. According to Nayar, who was part of India’s coaching staff when Shami last played for the Men in Blue in March, Shami’s snub is a clear indicator that India has moved on from him.
Abhishek Nayar said: “It’s a clear indicator. It’s an indicator that India is sort of trying to look forward. Right or wrong, it’s not for us to decide. But Akash Deep, again, is a local lad who’s played a lot of cricket there, so he understands the conditions. He’s always, to be fair to him, whenever he’s got an opportunity, he has delivered with the new ball. He’s made an impact. He’s really liked in this set-up because he goes all out every time he gets an opportunity. So, it’s a good investment in the future.”
Abhishek Nayar further added: “But looking at that squad, an extremely strong squad, all facets of the game, in a lot of ways, you have surety. You know how you want to go. You can play around with different combinations. And the conditions may not matter as well because you’ve got enormous talent in that set-up.”
End of the Road for Mohammed Shami?Â
Mohammed Shami last played a Test match for Team India in June 2023 against Australia at The Oval during the World Test Championship final, and his last ODI appearance was against New Zealand in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9.
As things things stand, it will be very difficult for Shami to come back into the Indian team be it any format. Test cricket was maybe his best bet, but there also he is being ignored. No matter how he performs and whether he picks up bagful of wickets in domestic cricket, he won’t be considered for Team India selection. Some excuses with regards to fitness will be made. As we have mentioned earlier, this is personal preference and vendetta going on in the Indian team led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Shami will have to contend himself playing domestic cricket and IPL.
Shami has to perform and bowl out of his skins to have a chance to come back into the Indian side, but everything is not in his hand. The selectors also have to decide whether Shami is needed or they have moved on from this chapter. At this stage, his chances look bleak and how much we would love to see Shami back in the side, we feel it is the end of the road for Shami as far as playing for India is concerned. He can play as much IPL as he wants, but international cricket looks bleak.
One hopes that he comes back and dons the Indian jersey once again but for that his performances have to be extraordinary and the selectors also have to be kind in selecting him. We shall wait and watch how this Shami story plays out in future.
Also Read:Â IND vs SA: Sourav Ganguly Slams Indian Selectors For Excluding Mohammed Shami