Why is Shami still being overlooked by selectors?
Mohammed Shami's continued exclusion despite domestic excellence raises questions about whether selection decisions prioritise factors beyond current form.
Mohammed Shami took four for 30 against Delhi in Bengal's Ranji Trophy opener at Kalyani, yet he's still waiting for a recall. The 36-year-old fast bowler welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the T20I squad for New Zealand and asked why domestic runs don't count the same way.
Shami brushed aside fitness doubts by pointing to the fact he's bowling full spells and staying on the field. He said he's stopped second-guessing selection and just wants to play wherever he's picked. His wickets included Yash Dhull, Ayush Doseja, Hrithik Shokeen and Divij Mehra.
He also took issue with the Kalyani pitch, calling it slower than expected and arguing that Bengal's three frontline quicks — Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar and himself — deserve conditions that suit them.
CricHubb Take
Shami's comments lay bare the awkward reality that selectors may already have their overseas fast-bowling pecking order fixed for the next cycle, leaving even in-form domestic performers like him as backup options rather than frontline choices.