Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a strong remark regarding Team India pacer Mohammad Shami’s omission from the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The Proteas are set to tour India for a two-match series starting November 14, with the hosts naming a 15-member squad for the contest.
Shami was once again left out despite his impressive performances. Ashwin felt that the experienced pacer deserved a spot based on his recent form and statistics — having taken 15 wickets in five innings during the ongoing 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season.
However, Ashwin emphasized that the selectors should maintain transparent communication with Shami about their expectations and areas for improvement. He concluded by suggesting that the selection committee appears to have moved on from the seasoned fast bowler.
“Purely on wickets and performances Shami deserves to be there, but the selectors are clearly indicating that either they are expecting more from Shami, or they have moved on ahead from him. What kind of communication does a selector have with him? Look you are not fitting in the side, you should work a little more on this.”
“That conversation can happen internally. People do not know what kind of selections they make or what kind of players they pick. Shami is not there and it definitely looks like they have moved on,” he said on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin Questions Venue Choices For IND vs SA 2025 Test Series
In the same video, Ravichandran Ashwin opined that the venues selected for the Test series against South Africa seemed to favor the visitors. He noted that Eden Gardens, the venue for the opening Test, would suit the Proteas perfectly.
The second Test is scheduled to take place in Guwahati, a venue where India haven’t played much and are unfamiliar with the conditions. Ashwin remarked that both venues appeared to be ideal choices for the South African side.
“I would not give these two venues to a visiting team. The ball does not bounce much at Eden Gardens. It bounces a little and goes down. I remember in 2016 New Zealand played and they gave a green wicket, they won the toss as well. Eden Gardens will be a match made in heaven.”
“South Africa cannot get a better venue than that. The second match, India itself has not played at Guwahati. Even India doesn’t know what will happen there. These two venues are really matches made in heaven for South Africa,” he said.
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