IND vs SA: “Where is Mohammed Shami?” Harbhajan Singh lashes out at Ajit Agarkar & Co for sidelining ‘good Indian bowlers’

Mohammed Shami last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has lashed out at the Indian selection committee for not picking Mohammed Shami in the Indian ODI side against South Africa. He said that although Prasidh Krishna is a good bowler, they need to get Shami in the team. 

The curious case of Mohammed Shami has left everyone confused. Despite performing well in the domestic circuit, the premier fast bowler has been kept on the sidelines and there is no clarity on whether he will ever return to the national setup or not.

The calls related to the inclusion of Mohammed Shami got even more intense when India lost the second ODI against South Africa. Harsht Rana and Prasidh Krishna struggled big time as India failed to defend the total of 358.

Rana and Krishna were taken to cleaners and it put India under massive pressure. The Indian team management faced a lot of criticism as a target of around 360 are not something that are chased everyday. 

I don’t know why Shami is not playing – Harbhajan Singh

Following India’s loss, Harbhajan Singh questioned team selection, asking where Mohammed Shami is. He pointed out how the management has sidelined good bowlers. Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he said: 

“Where is Shami? I don’t know why Shami is not playing. I get it, you have Prasidh, he is a good bowler, but he still has a lot to learn. You had good bowlers, and you have slowly sidelined them. With Bumrah, this is a different bowling attack, and without Bumrah, it is an entirely different attack altogether. We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah.”

Harbhajan Singh added that India need to find bowlers who can deliver in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah in white-ball formats. He said:

“In England, without Bumrah, Siraj was unbelievable, fantastic. India won all the Tests where Bumrah did not feature. But, in shorter formats, we need to find people who can win you games, whether it be fast bowling or spin. Find spinners who can come in and take wickets. There is Kuldeep, but what about the rest?,” he added.

The India vs South Africa series has moved to the series decider, which will be played on December 6 in Visakhapatnam. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.