Irfan Pathan, a former Indian cricket player, made comments regarding Mohammed Shami‘s exclusion from the India team and expressed concerns about his future. Shami’s name was left off of the January 3 announcement of the team for the ODI leg of the white-ball series between India and New Zealand.
By pointing out Shami’s stats, Irfan Pathan brought attention to the influence he has had on international cricket. Additionally, he supported the right-arm pacer to show his physical conditioning in the future and handle the setback with poise.
“Mohammed Shami is the main topic of conversation. What will happen to him in the future? He didn’t just show up yesterday, play a few games, and walk away. He has claimed between 450 and 500 international wickets, which is an enormous total. Everybody is dropped after taking more than 400 wickets and having their fitness questioned in the process.
“You have to keep proving yourself as long as you play cricket,” Irfan Pathan said in a video posted to his YouTube page.
After putting in a lot of work on the domestic circuit following his most recent appearance for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, the former all-rounder was not persuaded that Shami was unfit. In order to eliminate any possibility of doubting Shami’s talents, he also advised him to give it his all in the 2026 Indian Premier League.
“Shami has bowled 200 overs thus far. If fitness is the issue, it has already been demonstrated after 200 overs of bowling. Only the selecting committee is aware of what they believe needs to be improved. I would go play in the IPL and cause chaos if I were him. I would perform at that level if I were given the chance. When the IPL arrives and you display your previous rhythm and fitness, nobody will be able to ignore you. Domestic cricket performances are discussed. The IPL is watched by everyone on the planet. You regain your spot in the squad if you perform there,” he continued.
To date, Shami has represented India in 64 Test matches, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is. In the past, the 35-year-old has given the squad numerous game-winning efforts. But since the 2023 World Cup, he has continuously been left out of the national lineup.
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