Ravi Shastri Criticises Omission of Mohammed Shami From Test Squad
· Sports · India Today, Times of India
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed disappointment over Mohammed Shami's exclusion from Test cricket prior to his retirement. Shami officially ended his 13-year Test career after taking 229 wickets in 64 matches, with his final appearance occurring in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. Shastri argued that the fast bowler still had 30 to 40 wickets left in him and questioned the heavy reliance on gym-based fitness metrics over proven match workloads. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had previously noted that medical staff advised against selecting Shami for demanding series due to recovery from ankle and knee surgeries. Shastri maintained that a proven workhorse like Shami deserved another opportunity in the longest format.
Why it matters
The debate highlights ongoing selection philosophies regarding fast-bowler workload management and fitness criteria in Indian cricket.
Read the original report — India Today
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