Ravichandran Ashwin questions Mohammed Shami’s omission from South Africa Tests

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the selectors for not picking Mohammed Shami in the two Test matches against South Africa. Ashwin reckons either the selectors have moved on from Shami or they are expecting more from the veteran pacer.

Shami has been in good form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy as he has taken 15 wickets for Bengal. Thus, Shami has proved his match fitness and form in the domestic circuit, and his exclusion is surprising. 

“Purely on wickets and performances Shami deserves to be there, but the selectors are clearly indicating that either they are expecting more from Shami, or they have moved on ahead from him. What kind of communication does a selector have with him? Look you are not fitting in the side, you should work a little more on this. That conversation can happen internally. People do not know what kind of selections they make or what kind of players they pick. Shami is not there and it definitely looks like they have moved on,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Ashwin questioned the BCCI to host the two Test matches at Kolkata and Guwahati. Ashwin noted that he would not have picked Eden Gardens as a venue and highlighted that India have not played much at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. 

“I would not give these two venues to a visiting team. The ball does not bounce much at Eden Gardens. It bounces a little and goes down. I remember in 2016 New Zealand played and they gave a green wicket, they won the toss as well. Eden Gardens will be a match made in heaven. South Africa cannot get a better venue than that. The second match, India itself has not played at Guwahati. Even India doesn’t know what will happen there. These two venues are really matches made in heaven for South Africa,” he said.

The first Test match between India and South Africa will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, from November 14 onwards.