Harbhajan Questions Shami’s Absence from ODI Setup
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has ignited a major debate in the cricketing fraternity after openly criticising the Indian team management for what he termed the “unfair sidelining” of senior pacer Mohammed Shami from the One Day International (ODI) squad. His remarks have come at a time when Shami continues to deliver exceptional performances in domestic cricket, raising serious questions about the selection criteria and overall transparency in India’s team decisions.
Harbhajan, never one to shy away from expressing his honest opinions, stated that a bowler of Shami’s calibre cannot be kept out of the ODI team without a valid explanation. According to him, the decision to bench such an experienced and reliable bowler is confusing not only for fans but also for other players who rely on performances to earn their spots in the national setup.
A Proven Match-Winner Deserves Better, Says Harbhajan
In his strong statement, Harbhajan highlighted Shami’s incredible ability to swing the ball both ways, trouble world-class batters, break partnerships at crucial stages, and maintain pressure in the middle overs. He pointed out that Shami has repeatedly delivered for India on flat pitches, tough overseas conditions, and high-pressure tournament stages.
“Mohammed Shami is a rare bowler,” Harbhajan reportedly said. “He has won games for India, performed consistently, and handled pressure brilliantly. If someone with such a record isn’t picked for ODIs despite performing in domestic matches, then there is something wrong with the selection process.”
His comments have stirred strong reactions from both fans and former players, many of whom feel similarly puzzled by Shami’s continuous omission from ODIs.
Shami’s Domestic Dominance Strengthens His Case
Mohammed Shami, widely regarded as one of India’s most effective fast bowlers across formats, has been in exceptional form in the domestic circuit. After recovering from earlier injuries and workload management breaks, Shami returned with full rhythm, delivering fiery spells that showcased his skill and match-readiness.
In recent domestic one-day competitions, Shami has consistently picked early wickets with his trademark seam movement and controlled swing bowling. His ability to extract movement even on batting-friendly tracks once again reminded everyone why he is considered a world-class pacer.
Reports from domestic grounds say that Shami’s intensity has been no different from his international outings. On multiple occasions, he has dismantled top-order batters within the first few overs, giving his team crucial breakthroughs. His economical death-over spells further highlight his continued value in white-ball cricket.
Selection Strategy Under Scrutiny
Harbhajan’s criticism has also opened up a larger discussion around the team management’s current approach to team selection. In recent times, selectors have leaned towards experimenting with younger bowlers and rotating senior players. While this strategy aims at building long-term bench strength, Harbhajan argued that it should not be done at the cost of sidelining seasoned performers.
“Experience and youth should walk together,” Harbhajan said. “You cannot simply discard players who have been your backbone for years. Shami brings a combination of skill, maturity, and match awareness that young bowlers still need time to develop.”
Many cricket experts have echoed these sentiments, highlighting that India has occasionally struggled with pace consistency in ODIs. Shami’s absence, they argue, removes an important pillar from India’s pace attack, particularly in challenging overseas conditions.
Workload Management or Something More?
Some reports suggest that the management has opted to rest Shami from ODIs as part of a broader workload management plan, considering his importance in Test cricket and long-format tournaments. However, Harbhajan dismissed this logic, stating that if Shami is fit enough to consistently perform in domestic matches, then he is certainly fit enough to feature in the ODI squad.
“Workload management is important, but it should not become an excuse,” Harbhajan insisted. “If he is bowling full throttle in domestic cricket, then he should be ready for international selection too.”
This viewpoint has resonated strongly with fans. Who have taken to social media demanding more clarity from the BCCI and selectors.
Fans Rally Behind Shami on Social Media
As Harbhajan’s remarks gained traction, thousands of cricket fans expressed their support for Shami across social media platforms. Many pointed out that Shami’s performances merit a straightforward return to the ODI side. Especially when India is preparing for future white-ball tournaments.
Conclusion
With the debate gaining momentum and Shami continuing to excel in domestic tiger exchange cricket. Pressure is mounting on the Indian selectors and team management. But the conversation sparked by Harbhajan Singh has certainly forced officials to take notice.