Ex-India Coach on Shami’s Test Snub: “Focus Now on Generational Shift”
Description :
Mohammed Shami’s omission from India’s Test squad for the South Africa tour sparks debate as former coach suggests selectors are prioritizing younger pacers for long-term transition.
Published on:
12 November 2025 | 07:10 PM (GMT+05:30, IST, India)
Published by: Mr. Dibakar Mandal
Introduction
India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa has ignited discussions across the cricketing community—not for who made the squad, but for who didn’t. Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, one of India’s most experienced and successful Test pacers, has been left out of the squad. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to offer an official explanation, former India coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in, calling the move a “clear sign of generational transition.”
Shastri, who coached India through some of its most dominant overseas tours, believes the omission is part of a broader plan to invest in younger fast-bowling talent ahead of future WTC cycles. His comments have reignited the debate between continuity and experimentation in India’s long-form strategy, especially as the team prepares for a challenging South African tour—a series often seen as the toughest for subcontinental sides.
Context of the Selection
The Indian Test squad for the two-match series against South Africa features the return of several established names, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, alongside promising youngsters such as Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep.
Shami’s absence, however, stands out. The 35-year-old has been one of India’s premier red-ball bowlers, with over 230 Test wickets and a strike rate among the best in modern cricket. He last played in the 2023 home series against England before undergoing treatment for an ankle niggle.
While fitness may have played a part, selectors appear to be preparing for a new pace era, with younger bowlers expected to shoulder the long-term workload.
Former Coach’s Analysis: “India is Future-Proofing”
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Shastri remarked,
“It’s a tough call, no doubt, but sometimes you have to think about the next three years, not just the next series. India has a wealth of young fast bowlers waiting for their turn.”
He further added that the selectors’ strategy reflects a forward-looking mindset, especially given the evolving nature of Test cricket schedules and the need to manage player workloads. “Shami is a champion,” Shastri said, “but with the amount of cricket India plays, you need to have rotation and depth ready.”
Reaction from the Cricket Fraternity
Former players and analysts have expressed mixed opinions:
- VVS Laxman, Director of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy, suggested that the focus is on “ensuring long-term sustainability of the pace attack.”
- Sunil Gavaskar, however, questioned the lack of transparency, saying that “fans deserve clarity if a senior like Shami is fit but being benched.”
- Social media, meanwhile, has been flooded with tributes and disappointment, with hashtags like #BringBackShami trending on X (formerly Twitter).
The Generational Shift in India’s Bowling
India’s pace revolution over the past decade—led by Shami, Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav—transformed the team into a formidable force overseas. Now, with the emergence of Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, and Avesh Khan, selectors seem to be embracing succession planning.
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle commented on his YouTube channel,
“This isn’t about dropping a senior; it’s about planning for 2027. If India manages this transition smoothly, they’ll remain a top-two Test side for the next decade.”
What It Means for Mohammed Shami
For Shami, who recently featured in limited-overs cricket, this exclusion may be temporary. Sources within the BCCI have indicated that his fitness and workload management remain under review and that the veteran could return for the England home series early next year if fully fit.
Regardless, his absence from the South Africa tour marks a symbolic shift—from an era of experience to one emphasizing youth, endurance, and long-term planning.
Conclusion
Mohammed Shami’s omission from the South Africa Test squad has become more than just a selection decision—it’s a reflection of India’s cricketing evolution. As Ravi Shastri rightly notes, the move underscores a focus on the future, where succession planning and workload management define success as much as performance does.
For Indian cricket, the coming months will test not just its young pacers but also its vision for balancing respect for veterans with readiness for tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Mohammed Shami dropped from the Test squad?
While the BCCI has not issued an official statement, reports suggest that selectors are managing Shami’s workload and exploring younger options as part of a long-term transition plan.
2. Who replaces Shami in the South Africa squad?
Pacers like Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep have been given opportunities in Shami’s absence to strengthen India’s next-generation pace lineup.
3. Has Mohammed Shami retired from Test cricket?
No. Shami has not announced retirement and is expected to return once fully fit and available for selection, likely during India’s home season in 2026.
4. What does Ravi Shastri mean by “generational change”?
He refers to the selectors’ strategy of preparing younger bowlers to take over from senior pros like Shami and Ishant Sharma, ensuring long-term continuity in India’s Test pace attack.
5. When will India play South Africa?
India’s two-Test series in South Africa is scheduled for December 2025, with matches in Johannesburg and Cape Town forming part of the World Test Championship cycle.
External Resources and References
- ESPNcricinfo – Ravi Shastri on Shami’s Exclusion and India’s Future Pace Strategy
- BBC Sport – India Name Test Squad for South Africa Tour, Shami Misses Out
- Reuters – India Omit Mohammed Shami from South Africa Tests Amid Youth Focus
- NDTV Sports – Former Coach Weighs in on Mohammed Shami Snub
- The Hindu – Shami Left Out of Test Squad: Selectors Prioritise Future Planning
Focus Keyword used: Mohammed Shami exclusion
Related Keywords used: India Test squad, South Africa tour, Ravi Shastri, Indian cricket transition, generational change
