India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill, has acknowledged that omitting a bowler of Mohammed Shami’s calibre is never easy but said the team’s selection decisions are being made with long-term strategy and upcoming conditions in mind.
“There are not many bowlers of his quality,” Gill said during the pre-match press conference. “But you also have to consider the bowlers who are playing right now. They’ve done a terrific job. Someone like Akash Deep or Prasidh Krishna has been performing well, and we all know what Siraj and Bumrah bring to the table. Sometimes, it’s very difficult—players like Shami bhai have to miss out.”
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Gill added that the decision was based on strategic planning for future series and different playing conditions. “It’s important for us to know what series is coming up and where we are playing, and plan ahead accordingly,” he said.
When asked about Shami’s fitness status, Gill deferred to the selectors, saying, “The selectors would be able to give you a better answer to that. As a team, our focus is on preparing with the bowlers available for this series.”
The 35-year-old pacer was once again left out of India’s 15-member squad for the two-Test home series against South Africa, beginning Friday at Eden Gardens. Selectors have opted for a younger pace attack, signaling a possible shift in planning. Speaking ahead of the first Test, Gill defended the decision while lauding Shami’s contribution to Indian cricket.
Bowling with trademark precision, Shami produced figures of 5 for 38 against Gujarat, his 13th five-wicket haul for Bengal, helping his side secure a 144-run win. With 15 wickets at an average of 10.46 in four innings this season, the veteran pacer had made a strong case for national recall.
Shami last featured for India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held in March. Since then, he has been absent from international cricket, missing the West Indies Test series and subsequent fixtures.
India’s two-Test series against South Africa begins on November 14 at Eden Gardens, followed by the second Test at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. The tour will conclude with a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series starting November 30.
