Mohammed Shami’s continued omission from India’s plans has raised fresh questions, with former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif calling for greater transparency from the selectors following the announcement of the squad for the upcoming series in New Zealand.
The BCCI announced India’s squads earlier this week for the New Zealand tour, which includes two Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is. However, the absence of the experienced fast bowler from the squad has drawn criticism, particularly in view of 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 crucial role in India’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Shami finished that tournament as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches.
“No questions are asked, no BCCI selector explains the decisions, there’s no accountability. You’ve to keep transparency. This is about Mohammed Shami – the player of the 2023 world cup. If he wasn’t there, India would not have reached the final. When Hardik Pandya got injured, Shami came in and didn’t make you feel the absence of a sixth bowler. If Shami wasn’t there, India would’ve been searching for a sixth bowling option. Rohit Sharma took India to the final with five bowlers because Shami was the backup," Kaif said on Cricbuzz.
The former India batter also pointed to Shami’s performances in domestic cricket, arguing that the pacer has continued to make a case for himself despite being away from the international setup.
“Shami took 22-23 wickets in Indian conditions. So, I feel there has to be some transparency why the decision has been taken. He’s doing everything – playing first-class cricket, Ranji Trophy, taking wickets," he added.
Shami last represented India in March 2025 during the Champions Trophy triumph. His most recent Test appearance, meanwhile, came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
The fast bowler has since been attempting to regain his place through domestic cricket following an extended absence from the longest format. Concerns over his match fitness have reportedly been 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 has also been bowling short spells in domestic matches, a factor cited in discussions over his omission. Kaif, however, questioned whether that should be a decisive consideration, pointing to the workload management followed for India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
“I heard that he’s (Shami) bowling short spells and so not being picked. Jasprit Bumrah also bowls four-over spells in Test cricket. In England, his workload was being managed and Shubman Gill followed it. If one bowler is being treated in a particular way, then the same can be done for others too. There’s nothing wrong in bowling short spells if you can get the job done. So, transparency remains a grey area which I hope should be addressed soon. Someone has to give the clarity," Kaif said.
The debate over Shami’s selection has gained another dimension following the latest squad announcement. The pacer 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 preparing for the New Zealand series, Kaif’s comments have brought the focus back on the selectors’ assessment of Shami’s fitness and readiness, as well as the need for greater clarity over decisions involving one of the country's most experienced fast bowlers.
The BCCI announced India’s squads earlier this week for the New Zealand tour, which includes two Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is. However, the absence of the experienced fast bowler from the squad has drawn criticism, particularly in view of 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 crucial role in India’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Shami finished that tournament as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches.
“No questions are asked, no BCCI selector explains the decisions, there’s no accountability. You’ve to keep transparency. This is about Mohammed Shami – the player of the 2023 world cup. If he wasn’t there, India would not have reached the final. When Hardik Pandya got injured, Shami came in and didn’t make you feel the absence of a sixth bowler. If Shami wasn’t there, India would’ve been searching for a sixth bowling option. Rohit Sharma took India to the final with five bowlers because Shami was the backup," Kaif said on Cricbuzz.
The former India batter also pointed to Shami’s performances in domestic cricket, arguing that the pacer has continued to make a case for himself despite being away from the international setup.
“Shami took 22-23 wickets in Indian conditions. So, I feel there has to be some transparency why the decision has been taken. He’s doing everything – playing first-class cricket, Ranji Trophy, taking wickets," he added.
Shami last represented India in March 2025 during the Champions Trophy triumph. His most recent Test appearance, meanwhile, came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
The fast bowler has since been attempting to regain his place through domestic cricket following an extended absence from the longest format. Concerns over his match fitness have reportedly been 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 has also been bowling short spells in domestic matches, a factor cited in discussions over his omission. Kaif, however, questioned whether that should be a decisive consideration, pointing to the workload management followed for India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
“I heard that he’s (Shami) bowling short spells and so not being picked. Jasprit Bumrah also bowls four-over spells in Test cricket. In England, his workload was being managed and Shubman Gill followed it. If one bowler is being treated in a particular way, then the same can be done for others too. There’s nothing wrong in bowling short spells if you can get the job done. So, transparency remains a grey area which I hope should be addressed soon. Someone has to give the clarity," Kaif said.
The debate over Shami’s selection has gained another dimension following the latest squad announcement. The pacer 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 preparing for the New Zealand series, Kaif’s comments have brought the focus back on the selectors’ assessment of Shami’s fitness and readiness, as well as the need for greater clarity over decisions involving one of the country's most experienced fast bowlers.