South African cricket star AB de Villiers has reacted to Mohammed Shami being left out of the Indian team. He feels the selectors might be moving on from the senior pacer.
Shami, who last played for India in the Champions Trophy in March, had ankle and knee injuries which required surgery after the 2023 World Cup. Despite a strong performance in the Champions Trophy, he was not picked for India’s white-ball tour to Australia starting October 19.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villierssaid, “It is a big call from Team India. It feels like, in a certain way, they’ve moved on from him. I don’t know the behind–the–scenes story, if there maybe a couple of niggles he’s still carrying. Maybe he lost a yard of pace and he doesn’t quite have that zip that he used to. Those could all play a part. It doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for him.”
The former South Africa captain also shared his admiration for Shami’s bowling skills. “He’s a wonderful bowler. Always asks questions of the batters. He’s a wicket-to-wicket bowler and a great asset to have in the team if he’s in form, fit and raring to go. Obviously, it is very disappointing not to see him there as he’s a very entertaining performer for Team India,” De Villiers added.
The retired star also noted that Shami still has a chance to regain his spot if he recovers pace.“If he can still find that extra yard of pace, as that is one thing I picked up — he lost a little bit of pace recently and maybe that is the reason he is not in the national team anymore,” De Villiers explained.
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