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"Where is Shami?" Harbhajan calls out BCCI for India's squad for South Africa ODIs

Akshita Patel

Bhajji questions Shami's exclusion [Source: @chixxsays, @Vipintiwari952/X.com]Bhajji questions Shami's exclusion [Source: @chixxsays, @Vipintiwari952/X.com]

India suffered a heartbreaking defeat against South Africa after the Proteas pulled off a historic chase of 359 runs to level the ODI series 1-1. The loss shocked fans, and former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh did not hide his anger. 

He openly questioned the team management’s decisions, especially the absence of senior pacer Mohammed Shami from the squad.

Harbhajan Singh lashes out at management for ignoring Shami

After the match, Harbhajan Singh asked about the whereabouts of Mohammed Shami. According to him, India’s bowling attack looked completely different and much weaker without Jasprit Bumrah and Shami. 

"Where is Shami? I don't know why Shami is not playing. I get it, you have Prasidh, he is a good bowler, but he still has a lot to learn. You had good bowlers, and you have slowly sidelined them. With Bumrah, this is a different bowling attack, and without Bumrah, it is entirely different attack altogether. We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah," Harbhajan said in his YouTube video.

He explained that while young bowlers like Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana have talent, they still have a lot to learn at the international level. 

Harbhajan believes experienced match-winners are needed in such high-pressure games. 

"In England, without Bumrah, Siraj was unbelievable, fantastic. India won all the Tests where Bumrah did not feature. But, in shorter formats, we need to find people who can win you games, whether it be fast bowling or spin. Find spinners who can come in and take wickets. There is Kuldeep, but what about the rest?" he added.

India had actually put up a strong performance with the bat first. Virat Kohli scored a fine 102 off 93 balls, while Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed 105 off just 83 deliveries. 

Later in the game, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja added rapid runs as India reached a commanding 358 in total.

But South Africa had other plans. A strong partnership came between Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram. Markram played a captain’s knock, scoring 110 runs. Support from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis further pushed South Africa closer to victory.

Indian bowlers struggled with due

On the flip side, Indian bowlers struggled badly. Heavy dew made it difficult to grip the ball, and the bowlers failed to maintain good line and length. 

Prasidh Krishna, in particular, had a rough day, giving away 82 runs in just 8.2 overs. Harshit Rana was also expensive. Only Arshdeep Singh managed to make some impact.