New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) The exclusion of senior pacer Mohammed Shami from India's Test lineup for the forthcoming series against South Africa has sparked considerable discussion, particularly following his stellar performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, where he secured 15 wickets in three matches for Bengal.

Shami, a cornerstone of India's pace attack for over a decade, has not participated in international matches since the 2025 Champions Trophy, raising concerns about whether the team is indeed moving on from him.

Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, who stepped away from professional cricket earlier this year, has called on the selectors and team management to engage in a candid discussion with Shami regarding his future in international cricket.

"I cannot determine if this is the end of the line. However, a player of Mohammed Shami's caliber deserves a straightforward dialogue with the selectors and management. What are the future plans? Are they considering him or focusing on younger talents?" Pujara emphasized.

"If Shami is informed that he is not in their plans, it ultimately becomes his choice whether to continue playing first-class cricket or remain active in the IPL as well. He likely wishes to keep playing cricket," Pujara explained to reporters during a media event leading up to the first India-South Africa Test, commencing in Kolkata on Friday.

In the two matches Bengal played at the Eden Gardens, Shami was among the leading wicket-takers, even achieving a five-wicket haul against Gujarat.

“If an opportunity arises due to injuries, he should be available for selection. However, the selectors and management need to communicate clearly with Mohammed Shami about his role. He deserves a transparent path ahead.

“Clarity is essential regarding what the selectors and team management expect from him. If he is not going to be selected, he will need to decide whether to continue playing in the IPL or enjoy domestic cricket with friends and fellow players - that is his personal choice.

"But it is crucial that the team management communicates openly and honestly, and Shami should be included in that conversation," Pujara added.

When questioned about Shami's exclusion, Indian captain Shubman Gill stated in his pre-match press conference that the selectors are best equipped to address this issue. "There aren't many bowlers of his caliber. You cannot overlook the performances of the current bowlers like Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna."

“It’s challenging for players like Shami to miss out. It’s never simple when someone of his stature is left out, but we must also plan for the future," he remarked.

After the two-match Test series, India and South Africa will face off in a three-match ODI series, spotlighting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. In the ODIs against Australia last month, Rohit was awarded Player of the Series, scoring one fifty and a century. Kohli, on the other hand, recorded a score of 74 in Sydney after a streak of ducks.

With both players eyeing spots in the 2027 ODI World Cup, Pujara asserts that every match leading up to this major event is vital for Rohit and Kohli. “For both players, every series holds significant importance, especially when focusing solely on one format. It’s crucial for a player to maintain their connection with the game.”

"They will be stepping onto the field after a brief hiatus, which adds a layer of difficulty. Based on my experience, returning to international cricket after a long break means needing to regain one’s rhythm. White ball cricket can be slightly easier in that regard.

"However, due to their age, they need to exert effort, and they have been doing just that. The results speak for themselves - they have been scoring runs. We hope they continue playing until the 2027 World Cup, but that decision rests with them. We shouldn’t be focused too far ahead.

"Ultimately, it hinges on how their bodies respond and their enjoyment of playing just one format. If they are thriving and in good form, we’ll see what unfolds. But for now, every series and each match is crucial because they need to perform, score runs, maintain their rhythm, and sustain their form. This is why I believe that every series and match is critical for them.

Catch all the action from the First Test of South Africa's tour of India 2025, starting November 14, 9:30 AM IST LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.