Politics · India Bureau
Shami Selection Row: Age Not The Issue, Says Former India Star
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has refuted claims that pacer Mohammed Shami is being sidelined from national selection solely due to his age, suggesting other factors involving senior players influence the decision.
LSN India ·
Aakash Chopra dismissed speculation that Mohammed Shami's absence from recent India squads stems primarily from age-related considerations. The former India opener suggested that the selection decisions involve more nuanced factors beyond the 34-year-old pacer's years of experience.
Chopra pointed to the presence of established senior figures in the Indian cricket setup, particularly highlighting the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in squad composition decisions. According to Chopra, the batting order and strategic requirements around these key players have influenced the broader selection framework.
The comments come as Shami continues his recovery from injury and seeks to reclaim his place in India's pace attack. The veteran fast bowler has been a key member of India's Test and ODI squads over the past decade, contributing significantly to various tournament campaigns.
Chopra's statement suggests that squad management involves balancing multiple considerations, including team composition, performance metrics, and the integration of senior and emerging talent. The analysis indicates that Shami's omission reflects complex selection dynamics rather than a straightforward age-based decision.