Mohammad Shami last played for India in Champions Trophy 2025.
Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on the exclusion of veteran pacer Mohammad Shami from the Indian team for the upcoming ODI and T20I series in Australia. Shami, a member of the Champions Trophy-winning group, appears to be facing an unclear future.
Having previously lost his place in the Test and T20I formats to young talent, his current exclusion from the ODI squad raises serious doubts about his road to a national team return.
The 35-year-old was the main wicket-taker in India's runner-up result at the 2023 World Cup, collecting 24 wickets in seven matches; however, he sustained a heel injury and had to have surgery to repair his Achilles tendon. It has not been the same for him since his return, as persistent injuries have pushed him down the pecking order or selection list.
AB de Villiers stated that leaving Shami out was a big call from the Indian selectors. He also suggested that injuries, form, or loss of pace might have influenced the management’s call, but still feels it was not the end for Shami.
"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; maybe there are 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.
De Villiers asserted that if Shami manages to add the pace back, he would call himself a big fan of the Indian paceman.
"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.
De Villiers complimented Shami as a "wicket-to-wicket bowler" and a "great asset" when completely healthy, describing him as one of Indian cricket's most exciting and impactful performers.
"He's a wicket-to-wicket bowler and a great asset to have in the team if he's in form, fit, and raring to go. Obviously, it is very disappointing not to see him there, as he's a very entertaining performer for Team India," said De Villiers.
Shami is currently in action for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy’s Elite, Group C match in Kolkata against Uttarakhand.