Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has expressed doubts on Mohammad Shami’s ODI future after the fast bowler could not get a place in the three-match series against Australia. Shami last played for India in the Champions Trophy but he has failed to get regular chances in the white-ball squads.

The Bengal pacer had an incredible run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, picking 24 wickets in seven matches but he was ruled out of action after suffering an ankle injury. Subsequently, Shami remained on the sidelines as he faced issues with his knee.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “This is a big call that has been taken. If Mohammad Shami has not been picked for a big tour like Australia… His story has had a big gap. The pause is too big. The pause is almost like a stop.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel was picked ahead of Sanju Samson in the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a toe injury. Samson has scored 510 runs in 16 ODIs at an impressive average of 56.67 and a strike rate of 99.61. But his last ODI appearance came back in 2023 against South Africa when he scored a fine knock of 108 runs off 114 balls at the Boland Park, Paarl.

Chopra said, “Sanju Samson scored a hundred the last time he played an ODI. He batted at No. 3 in South Africa. Dhruv Jurel is in the squad. He is going to be looked at as a future prospect. He recently scored a Test hundred. He is part of the ODI squad now. Rishabh Pant is not there here.

Explaining selectors’ call, Chopra added, “Regarding Samson, Ajit said that we need players who can bat lower down the order, but Sanju does not fit in there. I’ll take that. There is consistency in philosophy. Shreyas [Iyer] was also not picked in the Asia Cup squad because there was no place at the top.”

The first ODI between India and Australia will be played on October 19.