“What More Does He Need to Prove?” Shami’s Coach Slams Selectors Over Snub

Mohammed Shami has not been picked in any format of cricket for some time, and his form and fitness have been questioned by selectors. Mohammed Shami had last played for India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where he had picked nine wickets, including one five-wicket haul. Yet he is not in Team India. Maybe he is working on training the next lot. His coach, Badruddin Siddiqui, is disappointed by this.

Mohammed Shami has been performing consistently well in the domestic matches, but he was left out of the twenty-twenty international squad going to New Zealand.  Over the past three months, in the domestic matches, he has been among the country’s finest fast bowlers. In four Ranji Trophy matches, he averaged 20 overs per innings and took 20 wickets at an average of 18.60. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he took 16 wickets in seven matches. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he took 11 wickets at an average of 22.50.

Mohammed Shami's coach, Badruddin Siddiqui, expressed his regret over Shami's exclusion from the team, saying to The Indian Express, "He already has the skill, wickets, fitness, and form. What more does he need to prove? I just don't understand why." Badruddin said that Shami has taken a different path. He is different from many players who are in the team, play one or two domestic matches, prove their fitness, and then immediately return to the team.

The coach predicted Shami's imminent return, saying, "He's in very good shape and bowling in very good rhythm. Once he gets into rhythm, when he runs easily, everything falls into place. If he continues to bowl like this, I'm sure it will be difficult for the selectors to ignore him."

Not including Shami in the squad also shows that the Indian team is looking to develop the next generation of fast bowlers in both the 50-over format and Test cricket. Recently, the selectors have been focusing on developing and investing in young fast bowlers.