India’s veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has continued the domestic grind while selectors have not considered him for comeback across formats due to fitness issues. On December 4, the Bengal pacer claimed a four-wicket haul, fourth of his T20 career to send another message to Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, a day after the T20I squad for five-T20I series against South Africa was announced.
At Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, the home of his former franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he took four wickets for just 13 runs in 3.2 overs as Services were bowled out for 165. Shami got Gaurav Kochar caught behind off the first ball of the innings In his second over, he ended Ravi Chauhan's cameo as well. Chauhan scored 26 runs from nine deliveries.
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Shami returned in the 17th over and dismissed Nakul Sharma who scored 32 runs from 23 deliveries. On the second ball of the penultimate over, he wrapped up Services' innings by dismissing no.11 batter Vishaul Gaur caught and bowled.
While Shami registered a four-fer, his new ball partner Mukesh Kumar took a beating. Mukesh conceded 53 runs from three overs. First change bowler Akash Deep had an impress outing as he claimed three wickets for 27 runs in his quota of four overs. For Services, the top-scorer was Mohit Ahlawat with 38 runs from 22 deliveries, including three sixes and as many fours.
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While Shami spends time on sidelines, Prasidh Krishna had a forgettable outing in the second ODI of the series against South Africa. While he claimed two wickets, he conceded 85 runs from 8.2 overs. It led to calls for Shami’s inclusion in the ODI squad, especially when Jasprit Bumrah was rested. India’s legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wonders why Shami isn’t with the ODI squad.
"Where is Shami? I don't know why Shami is not playing. I get it, you have Prasidh, he is a good bowler, but he still has a lot to learn. You had good bowlers, and you have slowly sidelined them. With Bumrah, this is a different bowling attack, and without Bumrah, it is entirely different attack altogether. We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
Shami’s long absence from international circuit
Shami's previous appearance in international cricket was in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. Earlier, he made his T20I comeback against England. Despite a three-fer in his previous T20I appearance, he hasn't played another T20I this year.