AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri slams BCCI over Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from India’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad.

Ravi Shastri he is known in the cricketing community as someone who speaks his mind without thinking about the consequences. The former Indian head coach is back in the limelight after the recent announcement of his suspension Mohammed Shami from the Indian detachment for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Ravi Shastri questions the Indian team management over Shami’s injury news

Shami was out of the Indian squad due to an ankle injury that later required surgery. The Indian pacer made a stunning comeback in the domestic championship representing Bengal in the Early trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. He was widely expected to be included in the squad for India’s tour of Australia. However, the official update of BCCI clarified that Shami has a swollen knee problem and will not be included in the squad ahead of the third Test match in Brisbane. The delay in communication and a long injury layoff for the 34-year-old prompted Shastri to work closely with the pacer during his tenure as the national team’s head coach. Shastri expressed his amazement at the way the team management handled Shami’s situation.

“To be honest, I was very surprised by the communication that took place in the media about what exactly happened to Mohammed Shami,” Shastri said in the latest The ICC Review.

Further highlighting Shami’s road to rehabilitation had he been at the helm of the team, Shastri questioned the various issues in the entire Shami injury saga and how his absence adversely affected the team which eventually led to a 3-1 defeat by a determined Australian side .

“Where is he when it comes to recovery? It has been sitting in the NCA for I don’t know how long. Why can’t proper communication come out where he stands? A player of his ability, I would bring him to Australia, “keep him in the team and make sure his rehabilitation is completed with the team,” Shastri concluded.

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Shami’s record in Australia underlines his importance

One of the main reasons why Shami’s exclusion had a significant impact on the Indian team during their tour of Australia is evident from his exceptional results in the country. The experienced pacer has an impressive history in Australian conditions, playing 8 Test matches and securing 31 wickets at a respectable economy rate of 3.55. His contributions include two outstanding five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver game-changing performances in challenging overseas conditions.

Shami’s presence in the squad could have significantly strengthened India’s bowling attack, offering both experience and skill, which has proved crucial in past victories. His absence was deeply felt as India failed to retain the BGT, the prestigious title they held for the past decade. The series defeat not only ended a remarkable run, but also highlighted the shortcomings in the team’s performance under pressure.

Looking ahead, Shami’s recovery and fitness to compete at the highest level will play a key role in shaping India’s future campaigns. His match-level fitness and sharpness will be vital for India’s ambitions in the coming period ICC Champions Trophy 2025as well as their quest to regain dominance in Test cricket during a challenging five-match series in the England. Shami’s proven ability to thrive in high-stakes situations makes him an indispensable asset to the team, and his return could be the key to India’s resurgence on the global stage.

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