The absence of Mohammed Shami from India’s squad for the Australia 2025 Tour has triggered a storm among cricket fans.
After leading India’s bowling attack in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 Champions Trophy, Shami’s omission raised eyebrows. The question everyone is asking: Is Gautam Gambhir behind this decision?
While the debate continues, it’s essential to understand how selection works in Indian cricket, Shami’s recent performances, and the possible reasons behind this controversial non-selection.
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Who Selects the Indian Team?
Contrary to popular belief, the head coach (currently Gautam Gambhir) does not have the final say in team selection.
India’s squad is picked by the BCCI’s Senior Selection Committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, in consultation with the captain and coach.
The coach can give inputs about team balance, player roles, or fitness status, but the final decision lies with the selectors. Hence, it’s unfair to assume that Gambhir alone dropped Shami from the squad.
Why Mohammed Shami Was Not Selected
According to several credible cricket sources and BCCI insiders, Shami’s omission was linked to fitness and workload management.
The pacer has been dealing with a long-term ankle and heel issue, which has limited his game time in 2024–2025.
Reports suggest that the selectors did not receive a complete medical update from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) regarding his recovery status, which likely influenced the decision.
Shami, however, maintained that he was “fully fit and ready to play”, which added to the confusion and fan frustration.
Gautam Gambhir’s Role
While Gautam Gambhir has brought a strict, performance-based culture to Team India since taking over as head coach, there is no official confirmation or evidence that he influenced the decision to drop Shami.
Gambhir has always emphasized fitness, fielding, and discipline — traits he demands from every player.
His focus on building a younger, faster bowling attack for the Australia tour could have indirectly impacted Shami’s selection chances. But ultimately, the decision was collective, not individual.
Mohammed Shami’s Contribution to Team India
Shami has been one of India’s most consistent and lethal fast bowlers across formats.
His ability to swing the new ball and deliver deadly reverse swing with the old one has made him a match-winner for India on multiple occasions.
Major Career Highlights
- ICC ODI World Cup 2023:
- Took 24 wickets in just 7 matches, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
- Produced a stunning spell of 7/57 against New Zealand in the semifinal.
- Test Cricket:
- Instrumental in India’s victories in overseas Tests, especially in England, South Africa, and Australia.
- Known for breaking partnerships with his relentless accuracy.
- Champions Trophy 2024–25:
- Delivered key breakthroughs in the middle overs, maintaining an impressive economy and strike rate.
- IPL 2024:
- Despite limited appearances, he remained among the top Indian fast bowlers with consistent new-ball wickets.
Mohammed Shami’s Career Stats (As of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 64 | 229 | 6/56 | 3.35 | 48.3 |
| ODIs | 108 | 206 | 7/57 | 5.58 | 27.6 |
| T20Is | 25 | 27 | 3/15 | 8.31 | 19.4 |
| World Cup 2023 | 7 | 24 | 7/57 | 5.1 | 18.5 |
These numbers speak for themselves. Shami has consistently proven that he is one of the best fast bowlers India has ever produced, both statistically and in impact.
Fan Reactions
Shami’s omission has sparked outrage on social media. Many fans believe that experience should never be sidelined, especially before a high-intensity tour like Australia.
Several former cricketers also voiced surprise over his absence, calling it a “selection mystery”.
However, others argue that the move may be part of India’s long-term strategy — resting senior bowlers to ensure they are fresh for bigger tournaments like the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup.
What’s Next for Mohammed Shami?
Shami remains an integral part of India’s long-term plans. Sources indicate that he will undergo a final fitness assessment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru before the England home series in early 2026.
If declared fully fit, he’s expected to make a strong comeback in red-ball cricket.
Given his record and match-winning ability, it’s only a matter of time before India calls him back into the squad.
Conclusion
There is no solid evidence that Gautam Gambhir was directly responsible for Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the Australia 2025 tour.
The decision likely stems from fitness management and long-term planning rather than bias or internal conflict.
Still, Shami’s absence has once again highlighted the need for better transparency between players, selectors, and the board regarding fitness communication.
One thing is clear — when fit, Mohammed Shami is too valuable a bowler to be ignored.
FAQ’s
Why was Mohammed Shami not selected for the Australia 2025 tour?
Because of ongoing fitness and workload management concerns, as reported by team sources and selectors.
Is Gautam Gambhir responsible for Shami’s exclusion?
No direct evidence suggests Gambhir made the decision. Selection is handled by the BCCI’s selection committee, not the coach alone.
Will Mohammed Shami return to the Indian team soon?
Yes, Shami is expected to make a comeback after proving his fitness, possibly during the England home series in early 2026.
How did Shami perform in the 2023 ODI World Cup?
He was India’s best bowler, taking 24 wickets in 7 matches, including a historic 7-wicket haul in the semifinal.
What makes Shami one of India’s best fast bowlers?
His pace, seam control, ability to move the ball both ways, and unmatched consistency across formats make him one of the finest bowlers India has produced.