Mohammed Shami last played a T20I match for India against Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year. And since then, he wasn’t considered to be part of the Indian team in the shortest format of the game. The 31-year-old pacer, who has played in 17 T20Is matches for India, was reportedly informed by the selectors some time back that he wouldn’t be considered for T20Is in the future again. However, with premier pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel out due to injuries, selectors are looking to Shami to make a T20I comeback for India and lead the line of attack in the upcoming matches against Australia and South Africa, as well as the T20 World Cup, if the duo misses out.
According to BCCI sources, Shami is likely to be included during the home series against Australia and South Africa next month.
“See, Shami isn’t getting any younger and that is why we have to manage his workload too. That is the reason he was informed about T20s (Not selecting). But if we have two premier pacers injured, we have to fall back on someone reliable in Australia. Shami understands the conditions better than anybody and could be a great asset. Final call on him will be taken only at a later stage,” a member of the selection committee told InsideSport.
“It’s too early to panic. Bumrah and Harshal are both under the medical team’s observation. We have a great pace bowling line-up. As for Shami, there is no doubt that he could be useful in Australia, but we have to manage his workload too. If the team management believes he will be required, we will take a call on that later. For now, there is nothing to worry about,” the selection committee member added.
Shami was tipped to make it to the Indian team for the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup by many former greats and experts of the game, but was overlooked for the six-team tournament that will start from August 27 in United Arab Emirates.
