Indian Test captain Shubman Gill praised Shami’s skill as a fast bowler prior to the opening Test match against the World Test Champions, but he also stated that it is impossible to ignore Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna’s efforts. The right-handed batter stated that when India plays a Test series again, the selectors will be in a better position to assess whether Shami will make a comeback.
Since June 2023, Mohammed Shami has not represented India in Test cricket. He was left out of the teams that competed in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year and the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, the right-arm seamer made his final appearance for his country and finished as the team’s joint-highest wicket-taker.
The Bengal bowler did not make the Indian squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, even though he took 15 wickets in three games in the current Ranji Trophy.
Few bowlers can match Shami bhai’s calibre. However, we cannot overlook the performances of Prasidh and Akash Deep. As we can see, Bumrah and Siraj are also performing well. At the news conference prior to the Kolkata Test, Shubman Gill stated, “We also have an eye on where we’re playing our next Test series — the selectors would be better placed to answer that.”
The South African team is excellent: Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill emphasised the significance of the forthcoming series against South Africa, stating that it is essential to India’s chances of making it to the WTC finals. Additionally, he acknowledged that Temba Bavuma and company make a formidable combo.
“These two Test matches, in my opinion, are crucial to our chances of making it to the WTC final. The South African team is excellent; they are champions. We managed challenging situations effectively when they arose. A typical Indian wicket, the pitch is good,” Shubman Gill remarked.
South Africa recently drew 1-1 with Shan Masood and company in a two-match Test series played in Pakistan. According to experts, the Proteas may benefit from this experience when they play India.
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