Mohammed Shami’s international career remains uncertain following an 18-month absence from India’s national team. The 36-year-old fast bowler has struggled with multiple injuries and underwent surgery, leading the BCCI selection committee under Ajit Agarkar’s leadership to prioritize younger pace bowling options. Questions have emerged about whether age is the determining factor in his exclusion from squad selections.
Some observers have drawn comparisons between Shami and Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, noting that Starc continues to represent his country at a similar age. However, cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has clarified that the situations differ significantly. While Starc has maintained continuous fitness and consistently led Australia’s bowling attack upon his returns, Shami’s fitness trajectory presents a contrasting picture following his medical procedures and extended recovery period.
Chopra emphasized that concerns about Shami extend beyond his age, pointing to questions about his bowling pace and intensity upon his return to domestic cricket. Though the pacer accumulated wickets in these matches, observers noted a perceived decline in his overall sharpness and speed. Chopra also dismissed the age argument by highlighting that India continues to select veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are older than Shami, indicating that age alone does not determine selection decisions.
Recently, Shami completed 100 first-class matches while representing East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final, keeping alive hopes that the selection committee may eventually reconsider his candidacy for international cricket.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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