Irfan Pathan questions Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from ODI series against New Zealand

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has questioned the selectors for excluding Mohammed Shami in the ODI series against New Zealand. Shami has scalped 11 wickets in five matches of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy while playing for Bengal, but he has been continuously ignored by the selectors.

Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh have been picked as the four pacers in the team for New Zealand ODIs.

Meanwhile, Shami last played for India in the Champions Trophy but since then he has failed to receive consistent chances due to fitness issues. However, Shami has proved his fitness in the domestic circuit and his performances have also been up to the mark. Furthermore, Shami scalped 20 wickets in four Ranji Trophy matches at an average of 18.60.

“The biggest talking point is Mohammed Shami. What is his future? He’s not someone who came yesterday, played a few matches and left. He has taken 450-500 international wickets, which is a huge number. If you have taken more than 400 wickets and then you get dropped and questions are raised about your fitness – that happens with everyone. As long as you play cricket, you have to keep proving yourself,” said Irfan on his YouTube channel.

Pathan said Shami has proved his bowling fitness by bowling consistently in the domestic tournaments.

“But Shami has already bowled 200 overs. After bowling 200 overs, if fitness is the question, then fitness has already been shown. What more improvement is needed, only the selection committee knows what they are thinking,” Irfan said.

Irfan suggested that Shami needs to have a good IPL. “If I were him, I would go and play the IPL and create havoc. I would take the new ball and perform at such a level. Domestic cricket performances are discussed, but when the IPL comes and you show your old rhythm and fitness, then no one can ignore you. The whole world watches the IPL. If you perform there, you make your place in the squad again. I believe his doors should not be closed,” he added.

Shami would look to keep up the good show in the domestic season. The veteran pacer will play for LSG in IPL 2026.