'Only the selection committee knows what they are thinking' - Irfan Pathan questions selectors after Mohammed Shami's ODI snub

Published - 04 Jan 2026, 12:41 IST | Updated - 04 Jan 2026, 12:44 IST

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has commented on Mohammed Shami's exclusion from the India squad and has raised questions on his future. The squad for the ODI leg of the white-ball series between India and New Zealand was announced on January 3, with Shami's name missing.

Irfan highlighted the impact Shami has created in international cricket by noting down his numbers. He also backed the right-arm pacer to deal with the setback with grace and prove his physical fitness in the time to come.

"The biggest talking point is Mohammed Shami. What is his future? He's not someone who came yesterday, played a few matches and left. He has taken 450-500 international wickets, which is a huge number. If you have taken more than 400 wickets and then you get dropped and questions are raised about your fitness - that happens with everyone. As long as you play cricket, you have to keep proving yourself," shared Irfan in a video on his YouTube channel.

The erstwhile all-rounder remained unconvinced that Shami was unfit after grinding it out in the domestic circuit after last featuring for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He also suggested Shami to put in his best in the 2026 Indian Premier League so that there is no room for doubting his capabilities again.

"Shami has already bowled 200 overs. After bowling 200 overs, if fitness is the question, then fitness has already been shown. What more improvement is needed, only the selection committee knows what they are thinking. If I were him, I would go and play the IPL and create havoc. I would take the new ball and perform at such a level. Domestic cricket performances are discussed, but when the IPL comes and you show your old rhythm and fitness, then no one can ignore you. The whole world watches the IPL. If you perform there, you make your place in the squad again," he added.

Shami has played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India until now. The 35-year-old has produced plenty of match-winning performances for the team in the past. However, he has consistently been ignored from the national setup after the 2023 World Cup.