Nabi call-up vs Shami omission: India's rigid stance exposed
India picked Auqib Nabi to replace injured Jasprit Bumrah in the Sri Lanka Test squad while Mohammed Shami stayed overlooked despite strong domestic form.
India selected Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a knee injury. Nabi earned the call-up on the back of 104 Ranji Trophy wickets across two seasons and six wickets for India A in Sri Lanka.
Mohammed Shami remained outside the squad despite a strong domestic season and prior Test experience. Reports indicated that selectors preferred the uncapped Nabi over recalling the veteran seamer.
Bumrah sustained the injury during last month's ODI series and failed to recover in time. India will now rely on Nabi and other options for the red-ball series starting later this month.
CricHubb Take
The choice reveals a selection philosophy that treats Shami as a permanent outsider rather than a proven asset, even when the injury crisis should have forced a rethink.