India’s veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has picked his favorite Indian skipper to play under among Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Shami said the trio had a different style of leadership but he enjoyed playing under Virat Kohli the most.

Shami revealed that Kohli would give him the freedom to execute his plans and he would not change anything unless the bowler makes any mistakes.

Shami flourished under Kohli’s captaincy and he made a potent pace bowling attack with Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma.

“Overall, I enjoy more with Virat as I have a good bond and better connection with him, you can call it like a brother or a good friend. Mahi bhai (Dhoni) had a different way. He would be calm, and where he felt something was not needed, it would not be needed. With Rohit, it was different, if he wanted something at a particular time, he wanted just that. With Virat, I could convince him about my plan. He would stop and give you that freedom until you did not make any mistake,” he said in an interview with Times Now Navbharat.

Meanwhile, Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, he hasn’t been considered for selection by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel despite consistent performances in the domestic circuit. 

Shami has also been ignored by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Auqib Nabi Dar replaced injured Bumrah for the Sri Lanka tour but Shami was once again overlooked by the selectors.

The first Test match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Galle from August 15.