Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on Mohammed Shami’s non-selection for the three-match 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.
“Someone has asked a question as to what would happen to Mohammad Shami. I would only say that it’s been decided that they are not considering Mohammad Shami now. There is no conversation or communication. Nothing is happening. That’s over,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Chopra said Shami will be close to national selection if he performs consistently in the IPL for LSG.
“However, since he is playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the Ranji Trophy, and will also play the IPL for Lucknow, if he has a good season and sets the stage on fire and comes close to the Purple Cap, I can give you in writing that no one can stop him,” he observed.
The renowned commentator said Shami has been a proven performer for India over the years.
“He will 100 percent come close to the team because that’s Mohammad Shami. If it’s some small kid, you say it’s okay. He is a proven performer for Team India over a period of time,” he said.
“He is an ICC Champions Trophy winner. He is a hat-trick taker in the World Cup. He is brilliant. So Mohammad Shami is Mohammad Shami. He will be back, but for that, a good IPL is extremely necessary,” Chopra observed.
Shami has performed consistently and definitely deserves a place in the team.
