Ashwin Explains Mohammed Shami’s Absence from India’s ODI Squad Against New Zealand

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reacted to the decision to leave fast bowler Mohammed Shami out of India’s squad for the One Day International series against New Zealand. Ashwin shared his views on the issue through his YouTube channel, where he explained the possible thinking behind the selection call.

Ashwin said that Shami’s exclusion should not be seen as surprising and was largely expected under the circumstances. He pointed out that the fast bowler has been away from competitive cricket for a long period due to injury, which naturally affects selection decisions, especially in limited-overs formats where rhythm and readiness are crucial.

According to Ashwin, the impact of a long break is very different for bowlers compared to batters. He explained that batters can often stay match-ready by playing Test or T20 cricket even when One Day Internationals are not being scheduled. In contrast, fast bowlers who miss extended periods because of injury face greater challenges in maintaining their run-up speed, rhythm, and overall bowling quality.

Ashwin added that during the time when ODI cricket was not being played, several batters continued to feature in other formats, while Shami remained sidelined due to fitness concerns. For a fast bowler, he said, factors such as momentum, physical sharpness, and consistency matter greatly and cannot be judged properly without regular match action.

Reiterating his stance, Ashwin stressed that Shami being left out was a predictable decision rather than a shocking one. He also made it clear that once Shami regains full fitness and rhythm, he will remain a strong option for future selections.

Ashwin’s comments have provided additional clarity to the discussion around squad selection, underlining how injuries and format-specific demands play a decisive role in modern international cricket.