Mohammed Shami Breaks Silence on Not Getting Selected in the Indian Squad Under Gautam Gambhir

Mohammed Shami has not played a Test for India since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, where he took four wickets.

Mohammed Shami Breaks Silence on Not Getting Selected in the Indian Squad Under Gautam Gambhir

Mohammed Shami opened up about his exclusion from India's Asia Cup squad. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami opened up for the first time about his non-selection for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup. Shami spoke about his chances to play under head coach Gautam Gambhir, stating that he blames no one for his omission and is determined to stay in contention. 

The 2025 Asia Cup squad was announced last week by the selection committee, with the team set to travel to the UAE in the coming days to take part in the tournament, which starts September 9. India has picked three specialist fast bowlers in the Asia Cup squad, including Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, apart from all-round pace options, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya. 

While the omissions of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal have drawn attention, Mohammed Shami is another senior player who was quietly left out. The 34-year-old has only played two T20Is since 2022, both during his return for the white-ball series against England in January. Shami has seemingly fallen out of favor from India’s T20I setup, with an underwhelming IPL 2025 campaign, hurting his case further.

The Bengal pacer was also not picked for the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy due to fitness issues, a recurring problem throughout his career. Last year, he even underwent an achilles tendon surgery, which kept him out of action for a considerable period of time.

While Shami’s Asia Cup snub was presumed to be on fitness grounds, the 34-year-old, in an interview with News24, revealed that he is fully fit and is also playing in the ongoing Duleep Trophy for East Zone. 

The veteran right-arm pacer broke his silence, disclosing that he was indeed available to play all formats. Shami stated that he does not blame anyone or holds grudges about his non-selection, adding that the selectors are doing what they believe is best for the team. Shami reiterated his focus on getting back into the team and performing at the highest level when given the opportunity. He told News24:

I don’t blame anyone for non-selection or complain about it. If I’m right for the team, select me, if I’m not, then I have no issues with it. Selectors have the responsibility to do what’s best for Team India.

Mohammed Shami also confirmed his good health, mentioning that he underwent a Bronco fitness test in Bengaluru and was cleared to play. With the home Test series against West Indies approaching, he will need to prove his mettle in the Duleep Trophy, to make his way into the Indian red-ball side.

Mohammed Shami Plays Down Retirement Talks, Reassures Fans About His Future

One of India’s best bowlers in the ODI format, Mohammed Shami brushed aside retirement speculation, while reassuring fans that he is ready to make his way into the Indian team, when called upon. Shami also highlighted his intent on playing domestic cricket well, to return to the national team.

Mohammed Shami retirement
Mohammed Shami brushed aside retirement rumors, suggesting that he had a lot of cricket left in him. (via NDTV Sports)

Shami last played for India at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where he finished as the fourth highest wicket-taker with nine scalps in five matches. Since then, the 34-year-old has not been selected for the Indian side and was recently left out of the 2025 Asia Cup squad. This led to speculation that he might follow the path of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma by retiring from Tests and T20Is.

Amid the discussion surrounding his future, Shami confirmed in the interview with News24 that he intends to continue playing. He wittily dismissed the rumors by saying that if anyone has a problem with him playing, he would immediately retire. The Bengal pacer further stated that he would only retire when he gets bored, stated that he would continue giving his best in domestic cricket. 

If someone has a problem, tell me, if it is like their lives become better if I take retirement. Tell me whose life have I become a rock in that you want me to retire? The day I get bored, I will leave.

The veteran pacer also highlighted his desire to play for India at the 2027 ODI World Cup, after having closely experienced the Men in Blue failing to win it in 2023. In fact, Shami finished as the highest wicket-taker, with 24 wickets in just seven matches at an unbelievable average of 10.71.

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