Mohammed Shami may currently be out of India’s selection plans, but the experienced fast bowler continues to make headlines with his performances in domestic cricket and his candid views on Indian cricket. Despite consistently delivering for Bengal in the domestic circuit, the veteran pacer has not been considered for recent international assignments as the Indian team continues its transition towards a younger pace attack.

While away from national team duties, Shami recently reflected on his international journey and was asked to identify the best coach he has played under during his time with India.

His answer caught many by surprise, especially as he overlooked former head coach Rahul Dravid in favour of another Indian cricket legend.

Mohammed Shami names the best coach he played under

During an interview with Times Now Navbharat, Shami was asked to compare the coaches he had worked with throughout his international career, including Gautam Gambhir, Dravid, Anil Kumble and Ravi Shastri.

Although he admitted that comparing coaches was not easy, the 35-year-old eventually named Ravi Shastri as the one who had the biggest impact on him.

“It is slightly difficult to compare. I have not played a lot under Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir). I have spent a good time with Rahul bhai (Dravid) and Anil bhai (Kumble). But if I have to pick one out of these four, if I am made to, I will pick Ravi bhai (Shastri) because he gave that freedom and the aggression and fighting spirit that is seen while going to play is seen in him even from the outside,” Shami said.

Shami’s choice came as a surprise to many, considering he enjoyed a successful spell under Dravid as well. However, the veteran pacer explained that Shastri’s aggressive personality and his ability to give players freedom stood out above everything else. During Shastri’s tenure as head coach, India established themselves as one of the strongest Test teams in the world, registering memorable overseas victories in Australia and consistently competing with an aggressive mindset. Shami was a key member of India’s formidable pace attack during that period and produced several match-winning performances across formats.

 

Will Shami get another chance with Team India?

Despite remaining one of India’s most accomplished fast bowlers in recent years, Shami’s road back to international cricket appears increasingly difficult. The BCCI selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, has shifted its focus towards building a young fast-bowling unit for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the next World Test Championship cycle.

Reports suggest that around 15 promising pacers have been identified as part of the long-term transition, leaving little room for the experienced Shami.

The 35-year-old was overlooked for the Test series against Sri Lanka despite claiming 37 wickets for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, proving both his fitness and effectiveness. He has also lost his BCCI central contract, further indicating that the team management has moved on from him in their future plans. However, Shami has repeatedly dismissed speculation surrounding his retirement. The veteran has made it clear that he still believes he can earn another India call-up and has set his sights on representing the country at the 2027 ODI World Cup.