Former India bowling coach
The 36-year-old pacer has faced a prolonged absence from the national squad, with selectors appearing to favor younger pace options during periods when spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been unavailable. This exclusion has sparked debate, particularly following a public disagreement last year between the player and the selection panel concerning his fitness levels, a claim Shami refuted by highlighting his active participation in the Ranji Trophy.
Arun and Kishan back Shami's international credentials
Bharat Arun, who previously oversaw the Indian bowling attack, remains convinced that Shami still possesses the quality and durability required for international cricket. Speaking to the Indian Express, Arun emphasized that age should not be the primary metric for selection when a player continues to demonstrate high-level performance. He noted that Shami’s ability to maintain his intensity is a testament to his talent and commitment to the red-ball format.
This sentiment is echoed by East Zone captain Ishan Kishan, who is currently leading Shami in the
A milestone in the domestic arena
The Duleep Trophy final serves as a significant landmark for Shami, as the match marks his 100th first-class appearance. This milestone follows a productive outing in the tournament's semi-final, where he played a crucial role in East Zone’s victory over the defending champions, Central Zone, by claiming three wickets in the second innings.
While speculation regarding the end of his international career persists, Shami continues to utilize the domestic platform to press his case. With his recent performances and the vocal support from former coaching staff and current teammates, the debate surrounding his exclusion from the national squad remains a prominent topic in Indian cricket circles.
