Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed surprise over Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa.Shami has not been part of the Indian cricket team since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, despite being India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets in the tournament.The 35-year-old pacer has continued to perform well in domestic cricket, securing 20 wickets in eight innings during the Ranji Trophy. His contribution was instrumental in Bengal’s undefeated streak in their first four matches.The Indian team management has opted for a younger pace attack featuring Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna for the South Africa ODI series.Kaif shared his thoughts on Shami’s exclusion, emphasizing that Shami’s experience could benefit the younger bowlers.“The question is valid. No matter what kind of pitch it is, a bowler like Shami does not care if it is flat. He has so much class that he finds ways to pick wickets there as well. I don’t know why he is not playing still, because Bumrah and Siraj have been rested. The young pacers would also benefit from his presence. There is no senior pacer to tell the likes of Prasidh, Harshit, and Arshdeep what to do under pressure. India missed. this,” the former all-rounder said on his YouTube channel.Shami’s recent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) has been noteworthy. He has claimed four wickets in three matches in the ongoing tournament. Bengal’s upcoming SMAT match against Himachal Pradesh is scheduled for November 2, where Shami will have another opportunity to showcase his skills.The veteran pacer’s consistent performances across domestic tournaments have raised questions about the selection committee’s decision to overlook his experience and skill set.The absence of senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who have been rested, makes Shami’s exclusion more notable, particularly given his proven track record in international cricket.Shami’s ability to take wickets on various surfaces and his experience in handling pressure situations could have been valuable assets for the Indian team, especially with a young pace attack.The current Indian pace bowling lineup lacks experienced mentorship, which could have been provided by Shami’s presence in the dressing room.His recent performances in domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy and SMAT, demonstrate his continued effectiveness and fitness levels despite being 35 years old.
