The ongoing saga surrounding Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from Team India has taken a new turn after a senior BCCI official dismissed the pacer’s claims about a lack of communication from the board and team management.
Shami’s Claims vs BCCI’s Response
Shami recently expressed frustration over being left out of India’s Test squad for the South Africa series, stating that no one from the management had reached out to explain his omission. However, a report quoting a senior BCCI official tells a different story.
According to the official, both selectors and support staff have been in regular touch with the 35-year-old pacer. In fact, they were “desperate” for him to be part of India’s Test tour of England earlier this year.
“The selection committee was desperate to get his services in England as Jasprit Bumrah couldn’t have played more than three Tests. Who wouldn’t want a bowler of Shami’s calibre in English conditions?” the official told PTI.
The BCCI also maintains that Shami was offered a chance to play in a tour game for India A against the England Lions to assess his red-ball readiness. But, as per reports, Shami declined, saying he still needed to build his workload and shouldn’t be considered for the series.
BCCI: “Narrative Not Entirely True”
The board has now called out Shami for creating a misleading narrative, insisting that the sports science team has his medical reports and has been tracking his recovery.
“So the narrative that there was no communication with Shami isn’t the absolute truth. The medical team has his fitness records and knows exactly where he stands,” the BCCI official added.
Shami’s Domestic Return and Lingering Concerns
After months away from international action — his last appearance being in March 2025 — Shami has been turning out for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, taking 15 wickets in three matches. However, he skipped the fourth round reportedly due to workload management.
Despite his impressive figures, there are still concerns about his endurance and fitness. Reports indicate he’s been avoiding long spells, bowling at reduced pace (around 130 kmph), and taking frequent breaks during matches.
Having undergone heel surgery last year, the selectors seem cautious about pushing him too soon into the rigours of Test cricket.
What Lies Ahead?
With doubts still lingering over his fitness and workload capacity, Shami’s return to India’s Test setup remains uncertain. For now, the BCCI’s strong response suggests that the issue is not about communication, but about whether the veteran pacer’s body is ready for the demands of red-ball cricket once again.
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