Indian pacer Mohammed Shami was axed from the Asia Cup 2025 squad that was announced on August 19, Tuesday. Jasprit Bumrah is back in the squad, but there was no place for Shami.
The veteran Indian pacer had limited chances of playing this Asia Cup, given that he had almost no game time on his back. The selectors have also decided to rest Mohammed Siraj from the Asia Cup.
The veteran Indian pacer has been struggling with injuries off late. After staying away from cricket for a long time, Shami was included in the Duleep Trophy squad for East Zone.
Mohammed Shami Not In BCCI's Plans For T20Is
Shami and Siraj were both part of the 2023 Asia Cup squad under Rohit Sharma. Shami also played the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, picking up nine wickets in five matches. Despite not playing ODI cricket continuously, Shami has always performed for the team in ICC events in ODIs.
Probably, that is what the team management is banking on. For Mohammed Shami to be in BCCI’s plans for the T20 World Cup next year, the Asia Cup would have been a good platform to test his fitness. However, it seems like he is not fully fit and hence was not in their plans for this event.
In Shami’s absence, Bumrah will lead the bowling attack with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana being the other options. Hardik Pandya is the fourth seamer option. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are the specialist spinners.
Meanwhile, India will play a few ODIs later this year, first against Australia in October and then against South Africa in December to close out the year. That will be another opportunity for Shami to impress the selectors if he has to play in the ICC World Cup 2027.
Shami's Record In ODI World Cups
Shami is the most successful bowler for India in World Cups, picking up 55 wickets in just 18 matches at an economy of 5.13 and a strike rate of 15.8. On average, he picks three wickets in every World Cup game he plays. The BCCI selectors, knowing his prowess as an ODI bowler, should look to preserve him for the ODI World Cup and ensure that he stays fit for what might be his final World Cup appearance.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Team India Expected To Leave For Dubai on September 4 Or 5: Reports
