At a time when domestic performances are increasingly favored as a way back into the Indian Test side, the latest call for selection has raised a few eyebrows. Despite producing strong displays in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Mohammed Shami and Karun Nair have not found a place in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa starting on November 14.
The The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad earlier this week. What surprised many was the omission of two players who have made major contributions to the Test format at different stages of their careers – and who have shown promising form in particular recently.
STRONG COMEBACK FOR SHAMI YET IGNORED
With Mohammed Shami missing Australia’s ODI series, the selectors hinted that fitness was the main concern. However, since returning to domestic cricket, Shami has made a strong case for himself. While playing for Bengal, he took seven wickets against Uttarakhand and followed it up with an eight-wicket haul against Gujarat. Although he went wicketless against Tripura, his bowling rhythm, control and match prowess seemed to be back on track.
Interestingly, his two standout performances came at the Eden Gardens – the venue for South Africa’s series-opening Test – adding further intrigue to the decision.
Speaking after the match against Gujarat, Shami reiterated his commitment to national duty.
“My motivation is to stay fit and always be available for the Indian team. I will continue to perform – the rest is in the hands of the selectors.”
The 34-year-old fast bowler added that coming back from injury and finding his rhythm again has been both challenging and rewarding and that he still believes he has a lot to contribute at the highest level.
KARUN NAIR’S STAR FORM IS NOT ENOUGH
Karun Nair’s situation is equally mysterious. The right-hander, who was selected for the England tour earlier this year, struggled to impress and was subsequently moved back to the domestic circuit. However, his answer was emphatic.
Nair has accumulated runs in this year’s Ranji Trophy — 233 against Kerala, an unbeaten 174 against Goa and a well-made 83 against Saurashtra. Those performances seemed to position him as a reliable, experienced backup option in the middle order. Yet the voters moved in a different direction.
SELECTORS SUPPORTING YOUTH FOR THE LONG TERM
Instead of relying on experience, the panel turned to younger options. Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal have been included as back-up batsmen, while Sai Sudharsan seems to be in line to continue at No.3.
This approach suggests selectors prioritize building for the future – even if it comes at the cost of overlooking proven performers in the present.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
November 5, 2025
