Legendary South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers feels that the Indian selectors have "moved on" from Mohammed Shami after his repeated fitness issues and a major drop in his pace. This comes after the pacer was recently snubbed from India's squad for the two-match Test series against West Indies and the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia.
Shami's last appearance for the Men in Blue came in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand held earlier this year in March. Even though the 35-year-old had finished as the Men in Blue's joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with nine scalps in five matches, he was ignored for assignments in every format.
De Villiers believes that Shami's pace has deteriorated as of recent and his fitness issues have also contributed to him not being considered by selectors for India's squad in any of the three formats. However, the former batter is still hopeful of the pacer making a comeback.to the national team.
"It is a big call from Team India. It feels like, in a certain way, they've moved on from him. I don't know the behind the scenes story, if there maybe a couple of niggles he's still carrying. Maybe he lost a yard of pace and he doesn't quite have that zip that he used to. Those could all play a part. It doesn't mean it's the end of the road for him," de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
"If he can still find that extra yard of pace, as that is one thing I picked up - He lost a little bit of pace recently and maybe that is the reason why he is not in the national team anymore. But hopefully he makes a really good comeback. I am a big fan of Shami, he's a wonderful bowler. Always asks questions of the batters," he added.
Shami impresses on Ranji return
Meanwhile, after earning a spot in Bengal's squad for Ranji Trophy, Shami made a strong start to the tournament and picked up three wickets in the side's first clash against Uttarakhand. Moreover, he also proved to be quite economical and gave away just 37 runs in 14..5 overs as Bengal bundled out Uttarakhand for 213 runs in their first innings.