Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami return to the Indian squad appears to be on hold, with reports suggesting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has no immediate plans to send him to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). According to the Times of India, despite Shami’s impressive seven-wicket haul in a Ranji Trophy match following a year-long injury layoff, the board is taking a cautious approach.
Shami’s performance in domestic cricket sparked hopes of his inclusion, with Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah even hinting during a press conference that discussions were underway about the pacer’s possible addition to the squad. However, sources within the BCCI now confirm that there has been no serious consideration for Shami’s call-up yet.
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Current Bowling Unit Keeps Mohammed Shami on Standby
A BCCI insider told TOI that the team management is satisfied with the current pace attack, which delivered a clinical performance in India’s emphatic 295-run win in the opening Test at Perth. The source added,
“There has been no conversation about sending Shami to Australia at this point. The bowlers chosen for the tour and the first XI have been performing exceptionally well.”
Instead of rushing him into the squad, the BCCI has placed Mohammed Shami in Bengal’s lineup for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to allow him more game time. This measured approach aligns with the board’s long-term plans to ensure the pacer is fully match-ready before making any major commitments.
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India’s comprehensive victory in the first Test saw their bowlers dominate both innings, bundling Australia out for 104 and 238. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with the ball and will once again spearhead the attack in the second Test, a pink-ball encounter starting on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval.
Rohit Sharma is set to return as captain, while doubts remain over Shubman Gill’s fitness. For now, Shami’s wait continues, as India looks to build on their momentum in the high-stakes series.
