Delhi: When the team for the Australia tour was announced, everyone was so engrossed in the discussion about Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli that they did not even notice that Mohammed Shami, who is now fit, was also not in the team. Without any celebration or mention, the selectors drew the line on the international career of one of India’s best ever ODI bowlers. Note that in the last 2023 ODI World Cup he played, he took 24 wickets in 7 matches, a bowling average of only 10.70 and took 5 wickets thrice and 7/57 in the semi-final against New Zealand and this year in the Champions Trophy, he had hinted at a comeback with 9 wickets in 5 matches. Even if the selectors find Harshit Rana better than Mohammed Shami, what can one do?

Is Shami’s career over?

However, as of now neither the selectors have said that they will never select Mohammed Shami in future nor has Mohammed Shami retired. But the way changes are taking place, Mohammed Shami’s comeback has become difficult. That is why his fans also believe that he has played his last ODI. Following their tradition, the selectors have also not made anything clear to Mohammed Shami. A senior who has played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 35 T20 Internationals deserves to expect better treatment.

The selector does not care at all about the contributions and achievements of the players. While a champion like Shami has no place in the team, the surprising thing is that after the announcement of the team, no one asked even a single question about Shami in the press conference.

Shami’s brilliant performance

462 international wickets, including 12 5 wickets, 55 wickets at an average of 13.52 in the World Cup, best bowling for India in ODI (7/57), best bowling in World Cup knockout (7/57), most number of 5 wickets for India in ODI format (6), fastest Indian to take 100/150/200 ODI wickets, second Indian to take a World Cup hat-trick and second Indian to take a World Cup hat-trick. He has the highest percentage of team wickets (23.7) and there are some records which will always be associated with his name. That is why some experts even write Mohammed Shami as India’s best ODI bowler till date.

Can you make a comeback by playing Ranji?

Now it is clear that there is only one way left for Mohammed Shami to make a comeback and that is to play in Ranji Trophy. The current situation is that Mohammed Shami is in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy team and ready to play. The zeal to prove oneself remains intact. Mohammed Shami himself must be aware that his performance in this season’s Duleep Trophy was not very special (1/136 in 34 overs for East Zone in Bengaluru), so a new enthusiasm will be needed for the Ranji Trophy.

Moreover, even age is not on his side. He is 35 years old. Even to remain in IPL, domestic matches will have to be played. Bengal has to play its first Ranji Trophy match of this season against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15 and every eye will be on them in that match.

Disappointing performance in IPL, out of England series due to fitness issues, out of Asia Cup and series against West Indies and now out of Australia tour team too. ODI is the only format from which he can make a comeback but as per indications, it is no longer easy. So far, 11 wickets in 11 ODIs at an average of 30.63 since his return, so what to expect?