It has been a whirlwind few days in Indian cricket after the highs of the Asian Games Gold Medal win. The selectors named the team for the New Zealand T20I series, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was out of the side for four years, being named in the squad.

Ravichandran Ashwin urged the selectors to recall Mohammed Shami back into the side after Kumar’s return. “Without Bumrah, Indian bowling can be a bit weak and suspect. BCCI is now leaning towards experience. They have picked Kumar, and I wouldn’t close the door on Shami either. But I am really happy that Bhuvneshwar has broken the door for his selection,” Ashwin said.

Ex-Indian opening batter Wasim Jaffer is another name who wants the 36-year-old seamer to make his comeback. “Shami should come back, especially in the Test team. I don’t know about the ODI team, because the team management has tried a lot of players recently who haven’t given much confidence.”

He further added, “According to me, Shami should be part of the ODI team. With the World Cup a year away, given the quality that he has, you should play him. My first choice will be Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj. I would also like to see him back in the Test side. The focus will be on Auqib Nabi and Mohammed Shami whenever the team is announced for the New Zealand series. If he isn’t picked, I feel the door is closed on him.”

Jaffer also opined on Bhuvi’s comeback. “Better late than never, well deserved, and no one is doing a favour by selecting him. He has good fitness levels, and his performances have also been good. I didn’t understand why he was dropped in the first place. Kumar has done well in domestic cricket and IPL. I still cannot understand why he wasn’t picked. Age shouldn’t be a factor. Yes, young players are there, but one cannot forget cricketers who have done well, because experience is needed in pressure situations.”

Laxmi Ratan Shukla and Rishi Dhawan clamour for veteran’s return

Former IPL winner and India player Laxmi Ratan Shukla has witnessed Shami from close quarters. “He is playing for Bengal this season and bowling like a youngster. I hope that he gets to play for India again and ends his career while playing for the nation. He is one of the greatest bowlers produced, and he deserves that.”

Shukla also added, “Shami still wants to play for India. How many players have one seen maintain this level of commitment to the state side? Ihave seen him since he was a net bowler and later went on to debut under my captaincy. He developed into a great bowler and human being, and keeps motivating everyone in the dressing room. Iam sure he will play for India again.”

Ex-Mumbai Indians star Rishi Dhawan is another name who wants the seamer from Bengal to make his return to the side. “In whatever cricket Shami is playing, he is putting in the efforts and playing full seasons, not playing one game and resting for the next. He is also delivering strong performances. Hopefully, the selectors can recognize this. I would love to see him back in the Indian team.”