Was BCCI right about snubbing Mohammed Shami? A detailed look at pacer's stats

Mohammed Shami snubbed [Source: AFP]

Mohammed Shami has been one of finest pacers for India in white-ball cricket over the past decade. Whether it is 2023 ODI World Cup or the 2025 Champions Trophy, Shami’s ability to strike at key moments has often turned games in India’s favour. Yet, despite his proven record, he found himself excluded from recent ODI squad for the Australia series under new captain Shubman Gill.

This decision sparked debate, especially after Shami openly questioned the reasoning behind his omission. When asked about it, he calmly said, “Selection isn’t in my hands. If there’s a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be playing for Bengal. If I can play four-day matches, I can play 50-over cricket too.”

In response, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained: “We were desperate to have him for the Australia tour, but he wasn’t fit. If he gets fully fit over the next two months, the story might change.” 

So, who is right here, Shami or Agarkar? Let’s break down the situation using facts.

Mohammed Shami's peformance over the years

Since making his ODI debut in 2013, Shami has been one of India’s most consistent and threatening pacers. His ability to move the new ball and pick wickets at all stages of an innings made him a vital weapon for India.

[Mohammed Shami's ODI stats from 2020 to 2023]

Clearly, on numbers alone, Shami is a proven match-winner as mentioned above in the table. He has been consistently performing and delivered in mega tournaments. In 2020, he scalped 12 wickets in 6 innings and in 2023, he took 19 wickets in 43 innings. 

Notably, in 107 ODI innings, Shami has taken 206 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 5.58. His 7/57 against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinal remains the best-ever bowling figure by an Indian in ODIs. He also finished that World Cup as the highest wicket-taker, 24 wickets in just 7 games. 

Injuries that sidelined Mohammed Shami

However, Shami’s troubles began after that stellar World Cup 2023 run. The experienced pacer had been carrying a heel injury during the tournament, which worsened over time. In February 2024, he underwent Achilles tendon surgery, forcing him to miss almost the entire year of international cricket. Here’s how his recovery unfolded:

• October 2024: During rehab, he developed knee swelling, slowing his progress.
• November 2024: A side strain ruled him out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• December 2024: He returned to domestic cricket, playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
• Late 2024: BCCI confirmed another knee issue linked to workload after his comeback.

So, even as he tried to return, his body kept breaking down. The repeated injuries made selectors cautious about including him in back-to-back matches or long tours. When Shami finally returned to international cricket during England vs India 2025 series, his form was modest. Shami picked up 2 wickets in 2 innings, steady, but not his old self. 

Later, in a major ICC event Champions Trophy 2025 that followed, he improved and grabbed 9 wickets in 5 innings at an economy of 5.68 as India won the final against New Zealand.

He did better in the Champions Trophy 2025, picking up 9 wickets in 5 games at an economy of 5.68, helping India beat New Zealand in the final. However, he wasn’t quite the Shami we had seen in his prime. His pace had dropped, and his seam bowling, which used to give him sideways movement off the pitch, was not as sharp. 

Now, he was relying more on pitching the ball up and swinging it, a style that has never been his strongest. Essentially, he was bowling more like Bhuvneshwar Kumar than India’s top pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

[Mohammed Shami's IPL 2025 performance]

However, his performance in the 2025 IPL raised concerns again. Shami struggled to find rhythm, his pace dropped and his trademark swing was missing. He managed only 6 wickets in 9 matches, conceding runs at a high economy of 11.23. For a bowler known for accuracy and control, this was worrying.

This dip in form and lack of consistency likely made the selectors hesitate before including him in the ODI squad against Australia.

Age no longer on Shami’s side

At 35 years old, Shami isn’t young by fast bowling standards. With a new captain (Shubman Gill) and a fresh approach, the selectors are clearly planning for the long term. Players like Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana are being given opportunities to become the next generation of Indian pacers. The BCCI seems to be prioritizing workload management and grooming younger talent, given Shami’s recurring injuries and age.

Looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup, Shami will be 37. At that point, his chances of selection will likely be slim. From the team’s perspective, they are planning for the future, and Shami’s body may not be able to handle the rigors of international cricket anymore.

Is Ajit Agarkar right?

Looking at the facts, Ajit Agarkar’s comments hold weight. Shami may have been playing domestic cricket, but that doesn’t automatically mean he was match-fit for ODIs. The selectors’ job is to ensure players can handle the physical and mental demands of back-to-back high-pressure games, and Shami’s injury record over the past year suggests caution is justified.

That said, Shami’s frustration is understandable. From his point of view, he’s still capable and wants to play. But when considering India’s long-term plans and the 2027 World Cup, it’s clear why the selectors are moving forward without him.

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