Aakash Chopra says there is a place for Mohammad Shami in upcoming home Test matches against West Indies

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra said there is a place for veteran pacer Mohammad Shami in the home Test series against the West Indies. Chopra highlighted that Bumrah won’t play all the Test matches in the home conditions. Bumrah had played only three out of the five games against England in a recent tour.

On the other hand, Shami was not included in the Test squad for the England tour because of his fitness issues. Furthermore, the Bengal pacer is not part of India’s squad for the ongoing Asia Cup. Shami recently played in the Duleep Trophy and last played for India in the Champions Trophy.

Shami had recently questioned his omission and said he is hungry to make a comeback into the national team.

“I think the selectors aren’t convinced. It’s about the eye test, as to what you feel. The numbers and playing matches are on one side, but now you go and see whether he is running that fast, has the rhythm, and is consistently bowling 140 kph, and if he is not doing that, you say you don’t want to go there,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“I think there is a place. There will always be a place for Shami because Bumrah won’t play the home Tests, and Bumrah won’t play all the matches. That’s a reality. So Siraj is left, but who along with Siraj? You will need Prasidh Krishna in Test matches, but what’s wrong if it’s Shami? So I do feel there is a place,” Chopra added.

Meanwhile, the renowned commentator said it is imperative for Shami to get his rhythm right in his bowling, and the wickets are not that important for the experienced pacer.

“Domestic cricket is a great space where you go and pick up wickets consistently. Even if he doesn’t take wickets, Shami doesn’t need wickets, it’s about the rhythm, and that rhythm should convince the selectors, captain, and coach because at this point in time, what is lacking is that the selectors aren’t convinced,” he said.

“Shami is absolutely right in his place if he is unhappy about not being selected, but the truth is also that the selectors have a point of view, and that is why you give them crores of rupees to select players after watching matches and practice. It’s a judgment call and it’s not going in Shami’s favor at the moment,” Chopra observed.

Shami has not played regularly for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup as he sustained a serious ankle injury and then he was troubled by his knee.