Former Indian cricketer R Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Mohammed Shami’s non-selection for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced India’s squad for the series on January 3. Shami’s absence from the team surprised many fans. However, Ashwin feels the decision was expected.
Ashwin spoke about the issue on his YouTube channel. He explained that selectors might not be fully confident about Shami’s long-term fitness and form. He also highlighted how different the workload is for fast bowlers compared to batters.
Ashwin talks about Shami’s future and workload
“Shami’s exclusion was expected. There’s no surprise in that. Virat or Rohit, Shami, the difference between them, the point is, when ODIs were not going on, they were still playing Tests or T20s. Shami went out due to injury. For a bowler, if you look at the run-up, speed, rhythm, is it the same quality as international cricket you once saw, Shami’s case is of optics. Do the selectors believe he can get to the 2027 World Cup? There is a huge difference in the workload of a batter and a fast bowler,” shared Ashwin on a video in his YouTube channel.
Ashwin believes the selectors are already planning with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. He feels they want bowlers who can remain fit and effective for the long term.
The former off-spinner also praised the return of Mohammed Siraj to the ODI squad. He said Siraj’s experience is very important for India’s future plans.
“Siraj’s coming back was well deserved. India would know they need experience for the 2027 World Cup. Sure, Arshdeep is there, Harshit is there, Prasidh is there. But we cannot take these three together. We need Bumrah and with him, we have Siraj’s experience. I am very happy for him, and I think it is a decision in the right direction,” he added.
Shami is currently playing domestic cricket. He is representing Bengal in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has taken 11 wickets in five matches so far. His average is 22.27 and his economy rate is 5.65. Shami has not played for India since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.
