"Cannot ignore the performances of the current bowlers" - Shubman Gill's massive take on Mohammad Shami's exclusion ahead of IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Team India skipper Shubman Gill broke the silence on Mohammad Shami's repeated exclusions from the red-ball setup ahead of the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The veteran pacer was snubbed by the selectors for the upcoming two-match home series despite a stellar run of performances in the early stages of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season.

Mohammad Shami, who last played a Test during the 2023 WTC Final against Australia, has taken 15 wickets in three Ranji matches so far at an average of 15.53. Amid his heroics in domestic cricket, he was embroiled in a war of words with chief selector Ajit Agarkar over the lack of communication regarding his omission

Shami was also not considered for overseas assignments like the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, or the 2025-26 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. The team management have focused on grooming the next batch of pacers, which includes a pool of Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Anshul Kamboj, among others.

Shubman Gill expressed the weight behind the decision not to include Shami, as the team wishes to continue with the bowlers they have brought in of late instead.

"There are not many bowlers of his quality. You cannot ignore the performances of the current bowlers like Akash, Prasidh. Sometimes it's difficult for players like Shami bhai to miss out. Selectors will be able to give you a better answer," Gill said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test (via News 18).

In the absence of Shami, Team India have often struggled with the third seam bowler, especially away from home. The conundrum gets even more complicated when the variable in the form of Jasprit Bumrah's limited workload is introduced.

The pace spearhead featured in both Tests against the West Indies, and was rested for the subsequent ODIs against Australia. He then featured in the T20I series, and is now set for red-ball cricket once again.

"When we are playing overseas, the workload is higher than when in India. The fast bowlers also know this. The load on fast bowlers when in India won't be as much as compared to spinners," Gill said.

Bumrah is being considered a non-negotiable asset in home Tests as well, a major indicator that India are leaving no stones unturned to avoid a debacle like the home series against New Zealand, where they lost 0-3.

"There will be a bit of a jet lag" - Shubman Gill on managing his workload after a testing Australian tour

Shubman Gill's role as an all-format player intensified after he was awarded the leadership duties in the longer formats. Even in the T20I side, he plays a vital role as the vice-captain since his return during the 2025 Asia Cup.

The ace batter has had a hectic couple of months after featuring across all formats, and his schedule does not relent with the South Africa home series commencing just six days after the end of the Australia tour.

"Still trying to figure it out what gives me best chance to succeed. The challenge is more mental than physical. Obviously, there will be a bit of a jet lag. Physically, I am feeling fine. It's a good challenge.

Team India have a strong chance to move further upwards in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings after a decent start to the 2025-27 cycle. They have recorded four wins out of seven matches so far, with one of them being a draw.

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Edited by Gokul Nair