India’s pace attack has entered a new chapter and it seems that one of its most seasoned campaigners — Mohammed Shami — may no longer be part of the immediate plans. Former South African captain AB de Villiers recently shared his thoughts on the veteran’s absence, suggesting that India might be slowly moving past the experienced fast bowler as they prepare for the next phase of white-ball cricket.
Mohammed Shami, now 35, was not included in India’s limited-overs squad for the upcoming tour of Australia starting October 19. It’s a surprising omission for a player who, not too long ago, played a vital role in India’s triumph at the Champions Trophy 2025. He finished that tournament as one of the joint-highest wicket-takers alongside Varun Chakravarthy, reminding everyone of his sharpness and skill even after a difficult period with injuries.
Those injuries, however, have taken a toll. Persistent ankle and knee problems required surgeries following the 2023 ODI World Cup and since then, Shami’s appearances have been sporadic. He hasn’t played a Test since the World Test Championship final against Australia in mid-2023 and his limited outings in domestic cricket this year were seen more as rehabilitation than a full return to rhythm. The national selectors appear to be taking a cautious route, possibly looking to manage his workload or phase in younger bowlers for the long term.
AB de Villiers, speaking on his YouTube channel, noted that the selectors’ approach may reflect a shift in priorities. He hinted that India could be preparing for the future and that Shami’s recurring fitness issues might have influenced their decision. The South African legend pointed out that the fast bowler may have lost a bit of pace over time, which could be one reason why the management is hesitant to include him in the white-ball setup.
At the same time, AB de Villiers was full of praise for Shami’s abilities, calling him one of the most consistent and dangerous bowlers when in top form. He emphasised that Shami’s control, accuracy and knack for troubling batters make him a special asset in any team. ABD expressed disappointment at not seeing the Indian pacer in action, acknowledging how much excitement he brings whenever he takes the field.
While there’s no official word on whether this marks the end of Shami’s white-ball career, his omission certainly raises questions about his future.
For now, India seems to be focusing on building a younger, fitter pace unit and whether Shami can make his way back into that mix will depend on how well his body holds up in the months to come.
