End of road for Mohammed Shami? India test captain Shubman Gill makes massive statement

Shubman Gill opened up on Mohammed Shami’s absence from the IND vs SA test series.

Indian Cricket Team captain Shubman Gill opened up on Mohammed Shami’s absence from the upcoming test series against South Africa Cricket Team. He said that it is tough for pacers like Shami to miss out on the test squad, however, the management has to plan for the future.

Shami last played a test match for India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final against Australia in June 2023. He was highly expected to be part of India’s squad for the test series against South Africa following his marvellous bowling performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26.

Last month, Shami also confirmed that he is fit to play for India. However, selectors overlooked the senior Indian pacer for the campaign, which came as a big shock for many cricket fans. Last month, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Shami is still not fit but the pacer gave a thrashing reply to selectors, asking them how is he playing Ranji Trophy if he is not fit.

It’s never easy when someone like Mohammed Shami has to miss out: Shubman Gill

Speaking ahead of the first India vs South Africa test at the Eden Gardens, Gill was asked about Shami’s absence, to which he said that although the pacer brings in lot of quality, other bowlers have been performing well. Hence, it becomes a tough decision to include him into the squad.

“There aren’t many bowlers of Shami bhai’s quality. But when you look at the performances of others – guys like Akash Deep and Prasidh – and also what Siraj and Bumrah have done for us, it becomes a tough call,” he said.

“It’s never easy when someone like Shami bhai has to miss out, but at the same time, we have to plan ahead. As for fitness and selection matters, the selectors would be in a better position to give a clear answer on that,” he added.

Notably, Shami also missed out on selection for the ODI series against Australia last month. The right-arm pacer was part of the Indian team that won ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year, which was his last appearance for the national team.

Since the start of ICC WTC 2025-27, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have led India’s pace attack in test cricket, with the support of emerging youngsters like Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana.

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