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India's Test captain Shubman Gill has weighed in on the Mohammed Shami debate as the veteran pacer continues to face snub from selectors. Gill acknowledges the quality Shami brings with him but pointed out that Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna have done well in his absence as well. While there is controversy around Shami's fitness, Gill tried to dodge the question by deflecting it to Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
“There aren’t many bowlers of Shami bhai’s quality. But when you look at the performances of others — guys like Akash Deep and Prasidh — and also what Siraj and Bumrah have done for us, it becomes a tough call," he told the reporters in the pre-match press conference.
“It’s never easy when someone like Shami bhai has to miss out, but at the same time, we have to plan ahead.
“As for fitness and selection matters, the selectors would be in a better position to give a clear answer on that.”
Shami hasn’t played a Test since World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final. His last international appearance was in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He wasn’t picked for Australia limited-overs series.
Claims of communication with Shami and refusal to play vs England Lions
Meanwhile, PTI talked to a BCCI senior official who claimed that Shami was asked to play for India A against England Lions. He refused to play the game as he was still increasing the workload. That was the reason why he wasn’t on the flight to England for Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. The senior official further claimed that they have access to the Bengal pacer’s medical reports and there is a concern over whether he can delivery long spells. He said that Shami is not being truthful about lack of communication from the board.
Shami in fine form
Shami has taken 15 wickets from three games in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26, including a fifer. He missed Bengal’s previous game but is ready to play the next one after which Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 will kick off.
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