Bharat Arun urges BCCI to reconsider Mohammed Shami’s exclusion, says age should not overshadow his performances

Mohammed Shami’s continued absence from India’s Test plans has once again sparked debate, with former bowling coach Bharat Arun calling on the BCCI selectors to take a closer look at the veteran pacer’s durability and recent performances.

Shami has remained active in domestic cricket and is currently making an impact for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. The Bengal fast bowler claimed five wickets in the semifinal against Central Zone, helping his side secure a place in the final.

The upcoming Duleep Trophy final will also mark a significant milestone for Shami, as it will be his 100th first-class appearance. Arun believes the achievement underlines the fast bowler’s longevity and ability to remain effective despite advancing age.

According to Arun, selectors should assess Shami based on his fitness, workload and performances rather than making age the deciding factor.

“They shouldn’t have closed the door on Shami. There is still plenty of cricket left in him,” Arun said, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Arun further highlighted Shami’s durability, arguing that his long career should be viewed as evidence of his ability to manage the demands of professional cricket.

Shami was one of India’s standout performers during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and was named Player of the Tournament. However, an ankle injury subsequently kept him out of action for an extended period.

He eventually returned to India’s setup during the 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, but has struggled to regain a regular place in the national side since then.

India’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has previously indicated concerns about Shami’s suitability for Test cricket, particularly considering the physical demands of the longest format.

Arun, however, believes Shami’s recent domestic performances deserve consideration. With Jasprit Bumrah carrying much of the responsibility in India’s pace attack in recent years, the former bowling coach feels Shami’s experience could still provide valuable depth to the bowling unit.

For now, Shami’s immediate focus will be the Duleep Trophy final, where he will reach the 100-match milestone in first-class cricket. His performance could further strengthen the argument that the veteran pacer still has a role to play at the highest level.