Shastri and Ponting Question Shami’s Management: ‘Really Surprised’

Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have expressed their disappointment over the decision not to include Mohammed Shami in India’s Border-Gavaskar series squad. They believe the fast bowler’s presence could have significantly improved India’s chances in Australia. Shami, sidelined since the 2023 Cricket World Cup Final due to ankle surgery, returned to domestic red-ball cricket before…


Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have expressed their disappointment over the decision not to include Mohammed Shami in India’s Border-Gavaskar series squad. They believe the fast bowler’s presence could have significantly improved India’s chances in Australia.

Shami, sidelined since the 2023 Cricket World Cup Final due to ankle surgery, returned to domestic red-ball cricket before the Test series. However, knee swelling ruled him out before the fourth Test in Melbourne. Despite this, Shastri and Ponting questioned why Shami wasn’t included in the touring group to rehabilitate and possibly return later in the series.

“Absolutely, no question about it,” Shastri told The ICC Review when asked if Shami could have influenced the series. “I was surprised by the lack of communication regarding his recovery. A player of his caliber should have been part of the squad from the start.”

Shastri emphasized the importance of monitoring Shami’s rehabilitation within the team setup. “I would have brought him to Australia, kept him with the group, and assessed him with the best resources available. If he couldn’t play by the third Test, then I’d send him home. But his presence could have been crucial.”

Ponting echoed Shastri’s views, highlighting Shami’s potential impact. “I was really surprised he wasn’t flown out midway through the series,” Ponting said. “Even if not fully fit, he could have bowled limited overs with support from the all-rounders. Shami could have been the difference, especially in the later matches.”

Ponting pointed out that Shami’s absence affected India’s balance, noting that a pace trio of Shami, Bumrah, and Siraj could have shifted the series outcome. “When asked earlier about my prediction, I said 3-1 Australia because Shami wasn’t there. That’s how crucial he is to India.”
Shastri added that Shami’s experience could have eased the pressure on Jasprit Bumrah, who struggled with fitness by the end of the series. “At 1-1 heading into Melbourne, Shami’s experience alongside Bumrah could have been game-changing,” Shastri said. “You needed someone like him to raise the bar and provide support.”

Shami has since played domestic limited-overs matches for Bengal, aiming to secure his place in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 2025.ophy 2025.

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy, returning after eight years, will run from February 19 to March 9. Matches will be held across three venues in Pakistan—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—with India’s games scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India opens its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a high-stakes clash with Pakistan on February 23.

BCCI is expected to announce India’s 15-member squad for the tournament by January 12. Rohit Sharma is likely to lead the team despite recent struggles with form in Tests. The 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain will also open the batting in the marquee event.

A key point of interest will be whether Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s Test opener and part of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, earns a place. The 23-year-old left-hander is yet to make his ODI debut but could be a valuable addition to India’s Champions Trophy campaign. failures, earning him another string of chances. Scoring on Indian wickets isn’t the challenge; it’s performing in SENA countries where players like KL Rahul prove their worth,” he concluded.t always seem that way from the outside,” he concluded.