Mohammed Shami Snubbed Again; Coach Badruddin Accuses BCCI of “Pre-Decided” Selection Bias

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s India career appears to be in serious jeopardy, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee once again overlooking him for the upcoming tour of South Africa, despite his strong domestic form.

The 35-year-old, who has bagged 15 wickets in his first three Ranji Trophy 2025–26 matches, was not included in either the India A squads or the senior Test and ODI squads announced for the South Africa series.

Shami’s long-time coach, Mohammed Badruddin, has openly criticised the BCCI’s stance, calling it “pre-decided” and unfair.

“They are ignoring him, that’s clear. There’s no other reason that makes sense to me,” Badruddin told India Today.
“He’s not unfit — when a player is taking 15 wickets in two games, you can’t call him unfit. The selectors are just overlooking him. Why they are doing that, only they can answer.”

Badruddin alleged that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel had already made up its mind to exclude Shami, dismissing claims about his fitness and workload management as “mere excuses.”

“All this talk about fitness or performance is just eyewash. They’ve already decided who they want and who they don’t,” he added.
“If you’re selecting a Test team, it should be based on Ranji Trophy performances, not T20 metrics.”

Shami last represented India on March 9, 2025, in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, where he was the joint second-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets in five games. Despite that, he hasn’t featured in any format since.

While acknowledging Shami’s frustration over the repeated snubs, Badruddin expressed full confidence in his ward’s ability to make a comeback.

“He’s disturbed, obviously. Anyone would be. But I’m sure he’ll make a comeback that silences everyone,” Badruddin said.
“You can’t ignore a bowler who’s done so much for India, especially in the World Cup.”

Sources close to the team suggest that the selectors are focusing on younger fast bowlers as part of a long-term transition plan. However, the omission of a proven performer like Shami — still among the most lethal red-ball bowlers in domestic cricket — has raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity.

Meanwhile, Shami is expected to feature in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, following an underwhelming IPL 2025 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he struggled for rhythm and wickets.