Shubman Gill hints end of road for Mohammed Shami with blunt 'Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna' remark

Shubman Gill hints end of road for Mohammed Shami with blunt 'Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna' remark (PTI Photo)

India skipper Shubman Gill intimated that experienced pacer Mohammed Shami would not be part of the national team's long-term plans although the latter continues to play domestic cricket for Bengal. Gill made the remarks in Kolkata prior to the first Test against South Africa, which seemed to support the selectors' position on the 35-year-old's exclusion from India's recent red ball series.

“I think a bowler of Shami bhai’s quality is not found easily, but you also have to take into consideration the bowlers that are playing,” Gill said when asked about his snub from the series. “They have done an excellent job so far. You can’t ignore the performances of someone like Akash Deep or Prasidh Krishna. We all know what Siraj and Bumrah have been doing in Tests. Sometimes, it’s very difficult for players like Shami Bhai when they have to miss.”

He went on to say that future planning and circumstances, not sentiment, were driving the management's decisions. “It’s important for us to know what the next series is and where we are playing it — to plan ahead. What kind of fast bowlers can give us the best chance? As for fitness and selection matters, the selectors would be in a better position to give a clear answer on that,” Gill said.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee came under fire for not including Shami in the squad for South Africa Tests despite the fact that the pacer has bowled 93 overs in the current Ranji Trophy season. He last played for India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in March.

Despite Shami's availability for Bengal, there are rumors that national selectors are worried about his ability to handle the demands of Test cricket. A report in PTI claimed that the selectors had contacted him several times to inquire about his preparedness, even asking him to play for India A against the England Lions to demonstrate his match fitness. According to the report, Shami declined, stating that he needed to increase his workload.