“Not so far from Bumrah”

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif reserved high praise for outcast Mohammed Shami, who has been overlooked for the ODI series against South Africa. Calling him a once-in-a-generation player, Kaif said the veteran pacer is not far behind Jasprit Bumrah.

Despite playing competitive cricket consistently, Shami has not featured for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March. The 35-year-old has been among the wickets in the Ranji Trophy, picking up 20 scalps in four matches, including a fumble. However, he was ignored by the selectors for the Test series against the West Indies and South Africa.

When asked if this is the end of the road for Shami, Kaif flatly denied the idea. He stressed that the selectors must give the Bengal skipper a chance, especially amid the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj from the squad. Kaif said at the last video on his YouTube channel “Mohammad Kaif”:

“I'm not ready to accept that. If he's playing Ranji, he's indicating that I'm continuously taking wickets and bowling longer games, how else do you show that you're fit? By playing, bowling and taking wickets. So, I'm not sure what's the reason for not playing there. This was a good opportunity to play Shami as Bumrah is not managing like his job.”

“There is also the T20 World Cup in 2026, so it makes sense to keep him for the T20s and give him a break from the ODIs. He played the T20Is in Australia but not the ODIs. Siraj is also not there, so Mohammed Shami could have had a chance. Shami is an experienced player and the youngsters would have benefited from his presence,” he added.

Kaif noted that the likes of Josh HazlewoodMitchell Starc and Pat Cummins they are also over 30 but still play regularly for Australia. The former player strongly emphasized that age should not be a factor in selection.

“If he is playing and struggling to take wickets, the selectors can say he is not playing. But that is not the case. Whenever Shami is playing, he is taking wickets. He is a once-in-a-generation player, not far from Bumrah. He took 24 wickets in the 2023 World Cup. Shami took those wickets. It makes sense to let him go and look at new players,” Kaif continued.

“It's not about performance, it's about fitness or age. But even Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are over 30. If the players bring the experience, age shouldn't be an issue. Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood are regulars. I think players get better with age. If Shami is fit and able to get the game,” he concluded.

Shami has excellent numbers in both ODIs and Tests, picking up 435 wickets collectively in 172 games, at an average of under 30. The right-arm seamer was also the third-highest wicket-taker during the 2025 Champions Trophy, with nine wickets in five innings.

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“If a player doesn't want to play anymore, it will encourage giving opportunities to youngsters” – Mohammad Kaif on Shami

Kaif claimed that Shami has gone on record to claim that the selectors were not properly communicated about his selection. Kaif also observed that Shami's performances are proof that he wants to keep playing. In the same video, he said:

“If a player no longer wants to play, he will encourage giving opportunities to youngsters. But he himself told the media that there is no communication with him. Shami still wants to play. Tomorrow if Rohit Sharma says I will be 41 when the next World Cup comes, you can give opportunities to youngsters. That will be good for transparency. He is also scoring 70-80 runs.”

“If Shami talks to the selectors and wants to go ahead, that's another thing. But that's not the case. Kohli and Rohit are playing. Shami is also in the Ranji Trophy and wants to prove to the selectors that he is fit. Sourav Ganguly also batted for his inclusion. I think the age factor is just an excuse,” he added.

With Shami, Bumrah i Siraj not in the ODI squad to face the Proteas, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are likely to take the new ball.