Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif was left surprised with Mohammed Shami not being selected in the squad for the ODI series against South Africa. This comes after Shami has continuously been overlooked by selectors ever since the conclusion of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Despite having finished as India's joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with nine scalps, he was left out of the squad for the assignments in any format.
Shami's performance in Ranji Trophy
The 35-year-old wasn't called back to the Indian team even after impressing in the Ranji Trophy. Notably, he picked up a total of 20 wickets in eight innings in the tournament and was a big reason behind Bengal remaining undefeated in the first four games. India decided to go with a young pace attack comprising of Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna for the South Africa ODI series.
Kaif questioned why the selectors for repeatedly snubbing Shami from India's squad and remarked that the latter is a kind of bowlewr, who is capable of picking wickets on any kind of track. He further highlighted how Shami's presence in the dressing room would have also benefitted the young pacers as they could have learned a lot from him.
"The question is valid. No matter what kind of pitch it is, a bowler like Shami does not care if it is flat. He has so much class that he finds ways to pick wickets there as well. I don't know why he is not playing still, because Bumrah and Siraj have been rested. The young pacers would also benefit from his presence. There is no senior pacer to tell the likes of Prasidh, Harshit, and Arshdeep what to do under pressure. India missed this," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Shami on fire in the SMAT
Shami has also looked to be in great form in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). He has so far clinched four scalps in three games in the ongoing tournament and will be looking to continue racking more as the competition progresses. Bengal's next game in the SMAT will be against Himachal Pradesh and will be played on November 2.