Mohammad Shami’s international career faces uncertainty after he recently slammed the selectors over a lack of communication following his snub from the Indian white-ball squads for the Australia tour.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the allegations, citing that the senior fast bowler was not considered for selection due to fitness concerns.

Shami's last appearance for India was during the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph in March, and he continues to grind hard in domestic cricket in an attempt to don the national jersey again.

Meanwhile, former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has sent a blunt message to the selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s team management, asking them to have a “clear and honest” conversation with Shami about his international future.

Speaking to the media ahead of the first Test between India and South Africa in Kolkata, Pujara said: “Someone like Mohammad Shami should be having – I mean, the selectors and the team management should have a very honest conversation with him. What’s the plan going forward? Whether they want to pick him or whether they are looking at the young players."

Pujara, who called time on his international career in August 2025, further stated that if the decision markers have decided to move on from Shami and wants to explore younger pace options, the veteran campaigner should be informed so he can take a call on his future in domestic cricket.

“If he is being informed that they are not looking at him, then it is always Shami’s personal call whether he wants to carry on playing first-class cricket, whether he still wants to – I mean, he is part of the IPL as well. So, he would want to carry on playing cricket,” Pujara said.

“The communication from the team management has to be very, very clear and it should be very honest conversation and Shami should be part of it,” he added.

On the eve of the Kolkata Test, India skipper Shubman Gill addressed Shami’s omission from the squad, subtly hinting that the management has moved on. He suggested that Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna are now being considered as the third seamer in the Test setup, alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

“There aren't many bowlers of his (Mohammad Shami’s) quality around. But you have to take into consideration the bowlers that are playing right now. They have done such a terrific job. You can't ignore the performances of someone like Akash Deep or someone like Prasidh (Krishna),” Gill told reporters.

“We all know what Siraj and Bumrah have been doing in Test cricket. And sometimes, it's very difficult when players like Shami have to miss. But I think it's important for us to see where we are playing the next series and plan ahead with what kind of fast bowlers that can give us the best chance. Especially when we are touring New Zealand or other foreign countries,” he explained.