‘They shouldn’t have closed the door on Mohammed Shami’
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Venkata Krishna B
At 36, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is staging a defiant return to form in domestic cricket, showcasing both bowling and batting prowess. Despite a long absence from the national squad, his teammates and performance metrics suggest he remains a viable contender for India.
The Resilient Return of Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami, one of India’s most lethal fast bowlers, finds himself at a career crossroads. Having been absent from the Indian national side for 545 days and absent from Test cricket for over 1,100 days, the 36-year-old is actively challenging the narrative that his international career has reached its twilight. His recent performances in the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy serve as a direct retort to the selectors who have seemingly sidelined him.
A Display of Unwavering Form
Rather than retreating into the lucrative, shorter formats of the game like the IPL, Shami has committed himself to the grind of domestic red-ball cricket. His ability to move the ball with precision and his consistent wicket-taking capacity in domestic circuits demonstrate that his technical prowess remains intact. By participating in these matches, he is not merely marking time; he is actively campaigning for a recall by proving his fitness and hunger on the field.
The Milestone of the 100th First-Class Match
Approaching his 100th first-class match, Shami’s milestone is a testament to his longevity and dedication. During the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, his contributions have extended beyond bowling, as he has also provided valuable runs with the bat. This dual-threat capability—as a strike bowler and a resilient lower-order batter—is exactly the kind of profile that historically makes an Indian Test team formidable.
Peer Support and Cultural Impact
Teammates like Ishan Kishan have publicly lauded Shami’s "hungry" approach, dismissing concerns about his age. In a sport where selectors often prioritize younger prospects, the backing of peers highlights the respect Shami commands within the dressing room. His teammates view him not as a veteran at the end of his tether, but as a vital asset whose experience could prove invaluable in high-stakes international series.
The Broader Implications for Selection Policy
The situation surrounding Shami raises pertinent questions regarding the selection policies of the Indian cricket board. By keeping the "door shut" on a bowler who is demonstrably performing, the selectors are navigating a delicate balance between grooming new talent and utilizing proven veterans. If Shami continues to dominate domestic opposition, the pressure on the selection committee to justify his omission will only intensify.
Future Outlook
As Shami prepares to walk out for the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final, his focus remains singular: to make the selectors impossible to ignore. Whether he secures a return to the national squad or not, his current trajectory is a masterclass in professional resilience. His journey serves as a reminder that in the demanding world of professional cricket, form and fitness are the only currencies that matter, and at 36, Shami is still wealthy in both.
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