Mohammad Shami’s International Comeback Hopes Delayed
Veteran pacer Mohammad Shami faced another hurdle in his international career after being left out of India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The two-Test series is scheduled at home from November 14 to November 26.
The squad was announced on Wednesday, November 5, with the notable inclusion of keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has recovered from a foot injury. However, despite strong domestic performances this Ranji Trophy season, Shami did not find a place in the team.
- Shami has taken 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches.
- He claimed seven wickets for Bengal against Uttarakhand and eight wickets against Gujarat.
- Both matches were played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Shami last wore the Team India jersey during the Champions Trophy final in March 2023 in the UAE. His most recent T20 International appearance was a month before that, and he has not played Tests since the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
Comparing ODI Statistics: Mohammad Shami vs Jasprit Bumrah
Previously, a comparison was drawn between Shami and India's lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah in Test and T20 formats. This feature focuses on comparing their One Day International (ODI) performances after each has played 89 matches.
| Player | ODIs Played | Wickets Taken | Bowling Average | Economy Rate | Wickets Against Australia | Matches vs Australia | Average vs Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 89 | 149 | 23.55 | 4.59 | 30 | 21 | 34.13 |
"In 89 ODIs, Bumrah has picked up 149 wickets at an average of 23.55 and an economy rate of 4.59. Of his scalps, 30 have come in 21 matches against Australia at an average of 34.13."
Summary
Mohammad Shami remains on the sidelines despite strong domestic performances, while his ODI stats are compared with Bumrah’s, highlighting Bumrah’s impressive wicket haul and economy.
Author’s Takeaway
Mohammad Shami’s exclusion reflects the intense competition in Indian cricket, while Jasprit Bumrah continues to showcase consistent excellence in ODIs.