“How else do you prove fitness?” - Mohammad Kaif questions Mohammed Shami’s constant exclusion

Mohammad Kaif questioned Mohammed Shami’s continued exclusion from the ODI squad due to 'fitness' concerns, stating, "How else do you prove fitness?" He argues Shami's ability to bowl 50 overs in the Ranji Trophy should be sufficient evidence, demanding transparency from the selectors over the veteran pacer's future.

25 Nov 2025 15:38 IST

New Update

Former Indian batter and analyst Mohammad Kaif has questioned the Indian selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, for consistently excluding veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami from the national team selection.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif asserted that Shami has been constantly taking wickets by bowling longer spells and proving his fitness. However, Kaif added that he is not sure about his constant non-selection in the national team.

"I’m not ready to accept it. If he is playing Ranji, he is signalling that I’m consistently taking wickets and bowling longer spells, how else do you prove fitness? By playing, by bowling and taking wickets. So, I’m not sure what is the reason behind not playing him. This was a good chance to play Shami, given Bumrah is not there as his workload is being managed,” Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

For the unversed, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been rested for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, which is scheduled to start on Sunday, November 30. Speaking on the same, Kaif stated that Shami should’ve received an opportunity in their absence.

"There is also T20 World Cup in 2026, so it makes sense to keep him (Bumrah) for T20s and give a break from ODIs. He played the T20Is in Australia but not ODIs. Siraj is not there either, so Mohammed Shami could’ve been given an opportunity. Shami is an experienced player and the youngsters would’ve benefitted with his presence," he added.

"If he is playing and struggling to take wickets, the selectors can say he is not playing. But that’s not the case. Whenever Shami is playing, he is taking wickets. He is a once in a generation player, not that far from Bumrah. He took 24 wickets in the 2023 World Cup. Shami took those wickets in flat pitches. If you include him and is struggling to field or for wickets, it makes sense to drop him and look at new players," he concluded.

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