‘No accountability’: Former India cricketer tries to clear up Mohammed Shami’s ongoing omission

Mohammed Shami (ANI Photo) Mohammed Shami’s continued omission from India’s plans has raised fresh questions as former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif called for more transparency from the selectors after announcing the squad for the upcoming series in New Zealand.The BCCI announced the Indian squad earlier this week for the tour of New Zealand, which includes two Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is. However, the absence of the experienced speedster from the squad has drawn criticism, especially given his domestic performances and past contributions to the national team.Kaif believes the selectors owe Shami an explanation given the pacer’s achievements and his key role in India’s run to the ODI World Cup finals in 2023. Shami finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker, taking 24 wickets in just seven matches.“No questions are asked, no BCCI selector explains the decision, there is no accountability. You have to maintain transparency. It is about Mohammed Shami – the 2023 World Cup player. If he was not there, India would not have reached the final. When Hardik Pandya got injured, Shami came and he did not give you the feeling that Shami and the sixth bowler were missing, India would not have looked for a sixth bowler there.” Rohit Sharma led India to the final with five bowlers as Shami was the batsman,” Kaif said on Cricbuzz.The former India batsman also pointed to Shami’s performances in domestic cricket, arguing that the pacer has continued to defend himself despite being away from the international set-up.“Shami has taken 22-23 wickets in Indian conditions. So I feel there has to be some transparency as to why the decision was taken. He is doing everything – playing first-class cricket, Ranji Trophy, taking wickets,” he added.Shami last represented India in March 2025 in the Champions Trophy triumph. His last Test appearance, meanwhile, came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.The fast bowler has since been trying to reclaim his place through domestic cricket after a prolonged absence from the longest format. Concerns over his match fitness were said to be a key factor behind the selectors’ reluctance to include him in the Test squad, with questions remaining over his ability to withstand the demands of red-ball cricket.Shami also played short spells in domestic matches, a factor cited in discussions of his omission. However, Kaif questioned whether this should be the deciding factor, pointing to the workload management that India’s pace leader Jasprit Bumrah has maintained.“I heard he (Shami) bowls short spells and so he is not picked. Jasprit Bumrah also bowls four-over spells in Test cricket. In England, his workload was controlled and Shubman Gill followed it. If one player is treated in a special way, then the same can be done to others. There is nothing wrong in the bowling area, so there is nothing wrong in the short-spell area, I hope he can be approached gray. someone has to clarify,” Kaif said.The debate over Shami’s selection has gained another dimension after the latest team announcement. Temper was subsequently rested from Bengal’s second round match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his immediate return to competitive cricket.With India gearing up for the New Zealand series, Kaif’s comments brought attention back to the selectors’ assessment of Shami’s fitness and readiness, as well as the need for more clarity on decisions involving one of the country’s most experienced fast bowlers.