Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to the national side appear slim after being left out of India’s upcoming ODI series in Australia. The legendary cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that recurring ankle and knee injuries in recent years have hindered Shami’s form, describing a comeback to his peak bowling as an “uphill task.”
Gavaskar also lauded Shami for his significant contributions to Indian cricket. Speaking to India Todayon Saturday (October 4), the 76-year-old said:
“Yes (Indian cricket has now gone past Shami). I think so. In Mohammed Shami’s case, it’s a real uphill climb for him; it’s very, very tough. You know, the injury he’s had doesn’t always help.”
“For a fast bowler, having an ankle and a knee injury, and a back injury is never easy to recover from. And which is the reason why, perhaps you know, he’s not being considered, but what a great cricketer he has been for India. What a wonderful cricketer he’s been for India,” he added.
Mohammed Shami last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, finishing as the team’s joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakaravarthy, with nine wickets each. This marked his second tournament following an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he had topped the charts with 24 wickets in seven matches.
Across his ODI career, Shami has claimed 206 wickets in 108 matches at an economy rate of 5.58, including six five-wicket hauls.
“Limited Game Time”– BCCI Chief Selector On Mohammed Shami
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently remarked that Mohammed Shami hasn’t featured in enough domestic matches to merit a place in the national team. The 47-year-old stated (via ESPNcricinfo):
“He’s not played a lot of cricket. In the last two-three years, I think he’s played one match for Bengal and one match in the Duleep Trophy. So, as a performer, we know what he can do. But, he will need to play something.”
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