Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes India missed a golden opportunity by not including Mohammed Shami in the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the series level at 1-1, Ponting feels Shami’s presence could have been the decisive factor in India’s favour.

“I was genuinely surprised when Shami wasn’t flown out, even midway through the series,” Ricky Ponting shared on The ICC Review. “India already had Nitish Reddy as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Even if Shami wasn’t fully fit, he could have bowled fewer overs with Reddy providing backup. I think Shami’s inclusion could have turned the series around.”

Ponting, a seasoned commentator and cricket expert, emphasized Shami’s pivotal role in India’s bowling attack. He explained that pairing Shami with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj would have given India a formidable pace lineup capable of unsettling Australia in their backyard.

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“When I predicted the series outcome earlier, I said 3-1 in favour of Australia primarily because Shami wasn’t there. That’s how crucial I consider him to India’s success,” Ricky Ponting remarked. “Had India fielded Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj together, the series could have unfolded very differently.”

Echoing Ponting’s sentiments, former India head coach Ravi Shastri underlined the value of Shami’s experience and skill, particularly in tight situations. “At 1-1 going into Melbourne, you needed someone with Shami’s experience to provide support for Bumrah,” Shastri said. “His presence might have elevated the entire bowling unit. Bumrah and Shami together could have posed a significant challenge to the Australian batting lineup.”

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Shastri compared the situation to Australia’s success, which hinged on Pat Cummins receiving crucial support from Scott Boland. “As hard as Mohammed Siraj tried, India needed Shami’s experience to complement Bumrah. He’s the kind of bowler who thrives in such high-pressure scenarios,” Shastri added.

Notably, Shami has not played a Test for India since the World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia at The Oval. His absence in the latter half of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains a key talking point, with many believing his inclusion could have altered the outcome of the series.