Mohammed Shami (ANI Photo)
Mohammed Shami ’s continued omission from India’s plans has raised fresh questions, with former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif calling for greater transparency from the selectors following the announcement of the squad for the upcoming series in New Zealand.
Kaif believes the selectors owe Shami an explanation, given the pacer’s achievements and his crucial role in India’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Shami finished that tournament as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches. This is about Mohammed Shami – the player of the 2023 world cup. Shami last represented India in March 2025 during the Champions Trophy triumph. His most recent Test appearance, meanwhile, came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
Because shami was the backup,” Kaif said on Cricbuzz, rohit Sharma took India to the final with five bowlers. The BCCI announced India’s squads earlier this week for the New Zealand tour, which includes two Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is. However, the absence of the experienced fast bowler from the squad has drawn criticism, particularly in view of his domestic performances and past contributions to the national team. “No questions are asked, no BCCI selector explains the decisions, there’s no accountability. You’ve to keep transparency. If he wasn’t there, India would not have reached the final. When Hardik Pandya got injured, Shami came in and didn’t make you feel the absence of a sixth bowler. If Shami wasn’t there, India would’ve been searching for a sixth bowling option. The fast bowler has since been attempting to regain his place through domestic cricket following an extended absence from the longest format. Concerns over his match fitness have reportedly been a key factor behind the selectors’ reluctance to include him in the Test squad, with questions remaining over his ability to withstand the demands of red-ball cricket. The debate over Shami’s selection has gained another dimension following the latest squad announcement. The pacer was subsequently rested from Bengal’s second-round match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his immediate return to competitive cricket.