AB de Villiers has expressed his surprise over Team India’s decision to exclude senior pacer Mohammed Shami from the upcoming ODI series against Australia, calling it a “big call” from the selectors. Shami, one of India’s most consistent fast bowlers in recent years, last featured in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps. However, a heel injury sidelined him for almost a year, followed by a knee issue that further delayed his return to full fitness.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers admitted he was puzzled by the exclusion, especially considering Shami’s vast experience and ability to trouble world-class batters. “It’s a big call from Team India. It feels like, in a way, they’ve moved on from him. I don’t know the behind-the-scenes story — maybe he’s still carrying a niggle or has lost a bit of pace. But that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road,” de Villiers said.
The former South African captain, who has faced Shami numerous times across formats, added that if the veteran pacer can regain his rhythm and a yard of pace, he could easily make a strong comeback.
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“He’s a wonderful bowler — always asks questions of batters, hits the right areas, and is a wicket-to-wicket bowler. It’s disappointing not to see him in the squad because he’s such an entertaining performer when in form,” he remarked.
Despite limited cricket this year, Shami’s recent numbers remain respectable — 11 wickets in seven ODIs in 2025 at an average of 30.63 and an economy rate of 5.92. Yet, the Indian selectors decided to rest him, opting for a younger pace attack for the Australia tour, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Prasidh Krishna.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Shami wasn’t considered as he hadn’t played enough competitive cricket to prove his fitness. However, Shami offered a different version, dismissing fitness concerns and claiming he was fully available.
“I played the Champions Trophy and Duleep Trophy, and I’m ready for the Ranji season as well. No selector reached out to check on my fitness,” Mohammed Shami said, expressing his surprise over the decision.
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As discussions around Shami’s omission intensify, fans and experts alike await clarity — whether this is a temporary rest or an indication that India’s pace attack is entering a new era without one of its most reliable match-winners.
