Mohammed Shami out of India’s plans? South Africa legend drops shocking statement
Despite being the top wicket-taker in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and a key player in India’s bowling attack, Shami struggled with ankle and knee injuries that required surgery. His last Test appearance was in mid-2023 and he has not been in the Test team since.
India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami excluded from national election considerations. He was not included in the squad for the white-ball tour to Australia, which starts on October 19. ShamiThe player, who last played for India during their Champions Trophy victory and is the country’s leading wicket-taker along with Varun Chakravarthy, has been facing ongoing ankle and knee problems requiring surgery following the 2023 World Cup. At the age of 35, he has not featured in the India Test team for some time and made his last appearance in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
Shami He did not take part in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia due to ongoing knee pain, but made a significant impact in the Champions Trophy in March this year. Despite returning to domestic cricket, he continues to be excluded from the India squad.
In reply Shami’s South African cricket legend AB de Villiers, who was expelled from the national team, stated that the team has moved away from the player.
De Villiers said on his YouTube channel: “A big call from Team India. In a way, it looks like they have moved on from him. I don’t know the behind-the-scenes story, maybe he still has a few flaws that he carries with him. Maybe he has lost a meter of pace and is not as fast as before. All of these can play a role. This does not mean it is the end of the road for him.” said De Villiers on his YouTube channel.
“If he can still find that extra pace, which is something I understand. He’s lost some pace lately and maybe that’s why he’s not in the national team anymore,” he added.
De Villiers expressed his desire Shami’s He hit back and referred to himself as a “big fan” of the Indian fast bowler.
“He’s a great bowler. He always asks the batsmen questions. He’s a wicket-to-wicket bowler and a great asset to have in the team if he’s fit, fit and willing to go. Obviously, it’s very disappointing not to see him there as he’s such an entertaining player for Team India,” the former South Africa skipper said.
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