'Mohammed Shami lost bit of pace': AB de Villiers' no-nonsense take on pacer’s India axe

AB de Villiers explains the harsh truth behind Shami’s ODI snub: ‘He lost his zip, India moved on’ (Photo- AP and Instagram)

The exclusion of seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami from India's set-up, particularly the ODI squad set to engage in a three-match series against Australia, has been questioned by former South Africa batter AB de Villiers. Shami had finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker from the Indian camp along with mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year. Despite that he seems to be facing an unclear future. His exclusion from the ODI setup raises serious questions about his chances of making India comeback, as he has already lost his berth in the Test and T20I formats to up-and-coming talents.

If we go further back, the 35-year-old had finished as the top wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, registering 24 wickets in seven matches. However, right after the elite ICC event he had to undergo a surgery to address his Achilles tendon after suffering a heel injury. Since his return, things haven't been the same mostly due to his repeated injuries, which has led to a slid in his rankings and selection.

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Team India's choice to exclude experienced bowler Shami from recent selections was deemed a "big call" by De Villiers. Although the former South Africa captain acknowledged that injuries, form, or a lack of speed may have affected the management's decision, he still believes Shami's career is not over.

"It is a big call from Team India. It feels like, in a certain way, they've moved on from him. I don't know the behind the scenes story, if there maybe a couple of niggles he's still carrying. Maybe he lost a yard of pace and he doesn't quite have that zip that he used to. Those could all play a part. It doesn't mean it's the end of the road for him," De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

But, as a huge admirer of the Indian pacer, the Proteas star declared that if Shami can bring the pace back, he can make a comeback.

"If he can still find that extra yard of pace, as that is one thing I picked up - He lost a little bit of pace recently and maybe that is the reason why he is not in the national team anymore. But hopefully he makes a really good comeback. I am a big fan of Shami, he's a wonderful bowler. Always asks questions of the batters," he added.

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The legendary Proteas cricketer hailed Shami as one of the most captivating and influential players in Indian cricket, describing him as a "wicket-to-wicket bowler" and a "great asset" when fit.

"He's a wicket-to-wicket bowler and a great asset to have in the team if he's in form, fit and raring to go. Obviously, it is very disappointing not to see him there as he's a very entertaining performer for Team India," said De Villiers.