‘We still pick Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’: Aakash Chopra makes big statement on Mohammed Shami’s India

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to international cricket in India seem uncertain as the pacer has not played for the national team for one-and-a-half years. Shami, now 36, has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years and the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection panel appears to have shifted towards a younger group of fast bowlers.This has led to questions about whether Shami is being overlooked because of his age, especially as he continues to play in domestic cricket. Arguments have been made that the BCCI should not exclude him due to his age, pointing to experienced fast bowlers such as Mitchell Starc who continue to play for Australia.However, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that age is not the only reason why Shami is not from the Indian team.“There is a big difference between Mohammed Shami and Mitchell Starc. Starc has stayed fit and played non-stop and has spearheaded the (Australian) attack whenever he has returned to action. There is no doubt about his form, fitness and acumen,” Chopra said in a video released by CREX.“Mohammed Shami, on the other hand, had an injury. He had an operation and then spent time out. When he came back to domestic cricket, there were question marks over his pace and whether he was in full swing. He was taking wickets but he seemed to lack that intensity,” he said.Chopra also dismissed the idea that Shami’s age was the reason he was left out, pointing to the continued selection of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are older than Shami.“Is Shami’s age going against him? I think that would be absurd. There is absolutely no point in dropping someone because of his age because you are still picking veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.”“I don’t think age is a factor. At some point the voters will explain the reason, but I don’t think it’s age,” concluded Chopra.Shami recently completed 100 first-class matches after playing for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final.