BCCI is Questioned by Shastri and Ponting on Shami's Exclusion from the 2024-25 BGT

Former cricketers Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting questioned India's decision to omit experienced pacer Mohammed Shami from the latter stages of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Despite recuperating from an ankle injury and performing well in domestic cricket, Shami's exclusion from the Australian squad was a source of concern. Both Shastri and Ponting believe Shami's experience and ability may have changed the game, especially in the high-pressure final Tests. While Shastri expressed concern about imprecise communication surrounding Shami's injury status, Ponting stated that the pacer has the ability to flip the tide in India's favor.

Unexpected communication regarding Shami's injuries

Ravi Shastri, the previous Indian head coach, expressed surprise at the lack of clear communication regarding Shami's injury and recuperation procedure. Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri expressed his confusion about the delays and lack of clarity regarding Shami's fitness, particularly considering the pacer was rehabbing at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He felt Shami should have been brought to Australia with the team, even if he wasn't totally healthy at the start of the series. Shastri suggested that retaining Shami in the squad and watching his growth could have helped, especially if he was available for the later Tests.

The value of Shami's experience

Shastri added that Shami's inclusion in the squad might have been critical, especially with Jasprit Bumrah suffering with fitness during the series. With the series tied 1-1, India needed seasoned bowlers, and Shami might have supplied that support to Bumrah, who was unable to bowl in the second innings of the Sydney Test due to fitness concerns. Shastri contended that having Shami and Bumrah together would have increased India's prospects of a great finish in Melbourne and Sydney, especially against Australia's formidable bowling attack.

Ponting agrees with Shami's possible influence

Ricky Ponting, a former Australian captain, agreed with Shastri, saying he was shocked Shami hadn't been sent out to Australia at least halfway through the series. Ponting acknowledged that even if Shami hadn't been fully healthy, his expertise and ability to bowl in short spurts would have been important. He believes Shami's presence may have made the difference in the series, implying that with Shami in the mix alongside Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, India's bowling attack would have been significantly stronger.