"No such verdict has been passed" - Former India opener's big claim after Mohammad Shami is snubbed for IND vs SA 2025 Tests

Former India opener Aakash Chopra dismissed social media claims that Mohammad Shami's international career might be over after he was not picked for the home Tests against South Africa. Chopra asserted that the veteran Bengal fast bowler can definitely make a comeback if he continues his wicket-taking form in domestic cricket.

Shami has missed a majority of international cricket due to injury and fitness issues following his heroics in the 2023 ODI World Cup at home. He last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in Dubai in March this year. Before that, the 35-year-old was part of the T20I squad against England at home. Shami, however, hasn't played Test cricket since the 2023 WTC final at The Oval.

Despite picking 15 wickets in three matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season for Bengal, he did not find a place in India's Test squad for the two-match series against South Africa. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra asserted that the seasoned bowler should not be disheartened and claimed that he will definitely get his opportunity if he keeps performing at the domestic level.

"I won't say that it's curtains. Many on social media are claiming that you won't see Shami playing for India again. I don't think that's the case. No such verdict has been passed by the jury. He can get a chance again provided he keeps picking up wickets and lasts an entire season," Chopra opined. "There is a lot of vacant slots for premier fast bowlers. There are injuries and workload management as well. There are lot of matches being played across formats, so I don't think that will be an issue. Don't worry about it. Shami's name will come," the 48-year-old went on to add

Shami has so far featured in 64 Test matches and has claimed 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, with the aid of six five-fers. He also has 200-plus wickets in ODIs and 27 scalps in T20Is.

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Akash Deep preferred over Mohammad Shami for IND vs SA 2025 Tests

From the team that faced West Indies recently, India made only two changes to the 15-man squad for the Test series against South Africa. A fit-again Rishabh Pant returned in place of N Jagadeesan, while Prasidh Krishna was replaced by Akash Deep. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, which would be ably supported once again by Mohammed Siraj.

Siraj was the leading wicket-taker during the grueling five-match Test series in England. He claimed 23 wickets at an average of 32.43. Bumrah played three Tests and claimed 14 wickets at an average of 26, while Akash Deep starred with 10 wickets in the Birmingham Test.

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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert