Former South African captain AB de Villiers questioned Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the three-match ODI 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.

AB reckons Shami has lost a yard of pace and thus he isn’t considered for national selection.

AB de Villiers said on his YouTube Channel, “It is a big call from Team India. It feels like, in a certain way, they’ve moved on from him. I don’t know the behind the scenes story, if there maybe a couple of niggles he’s still carrying. Maybe he lost a yard of pace, and he doesn’t quite have that zip that he used to. Those could all play a part. It doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for him.”

“If he can still find that extra yard of pace, as that is one thing I picked up – He lost a little bit of pace recently and maybe that is the reason why he is not in the national team anymore. But hopefully he makes a really good comeback. I am a big fan of Shami; he’s a wonderful bowler. Always asks questions of the batters.”

The former talisman batter added that Shami is a great asset to have in the team if he is in form.

“He’s a wicket-to-wicket bowler and a great asset to have in the team if he’s in form, fit, and raring to go. Obviously, it is very disappointing not to see him there as he’s a very entertaining performer for Team India,” said De Villiers (via the aforementioned source).

Shami is currently part of the Bengal squad for the ongoing Ranji Trophy.