Mohammed Shami's childhood coach, Mohammed Badruddin, has expressed concern that the BCCI selection committee is deliberately overlooking the veteran fast bowler for India's Test squad. Despite recovering from an ankle injury and delivering strong performances in domestic cricket, Shami has been unable to secure a return to the Test team. He has taken 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal this season at an impressive average of 15.5. However, when the squad for the home Test series against South Africa was announced, his name was absent. Badruddin believes the selectors have predetermined their choices and are using fitness concerns as an excuse. He argues that Shami's inclusion would have been beneficial, particularly to manage Jasprit Bumrah's workload during the South Africa series. The coach insists that Test selection should be based on red-ball performances rather than limited-overs formats.
Coach Questions Selection Logic and Fitness Concerns
Badruddin firmly stated that the selectors are simply ignoring Shami without valid reasons. He emphasized that when a player takes 15 wickets in two games and participates in Test cricket, fitness should not be questioned. The coach believes Shami's selection for the South Africa series was logical since only two fast bowlers typically play in India. This would have allowed rotation and reduced pressure on Bumrah, who cannot sustain playing continuously. Badruddin criticized the approach of judging Test candidates by T20 metrics, arguing that Ranji Trophy performances should be the primary criterion. He concluded that decisions appear pre-planned, with fitness and performance discussions serving merely as justifications for selections already made behind closed doors.
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