NEW DELHI: Seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami, who is yet to fully recover from foot injury as well as surgery on his Achilles tendon, was not included in India’s squad for the Australia tour which commences from November 22 in Perth.
In Shami’s absence, the selectors bolstered the seam attack by including youngsters Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, who will join Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep Down Under.
But former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar feels that despite youngsters coming into the side, Shami’s absence will be a major blow and the pace attack won’t be as lethal as it was on previous tours. Manjrekar pointed out that looking at this seam attack of India, which has inexperienced players and an out-of-form Siraj, the Australians won’t be too worried.
“What’s most unfortunate is that if Shami is not fit, then this seam attack — which we are so proud of and have won so many matches on its performances — seems to have a problem. Bumrah’s form has been terrific. But Siraj’s form has dipped and there is no Shami. I am sure Australia won’t be too nervous seeing this Indian seam attack. Bumrah will be having too much responsibility and pressure to deliver,” said Sanjay Manjrekar on Star Sports.
“The biggest setback for India is that there is no Shami and Siraj has underperformed. On the last tour, Siraj was at his peak. Prasidh Krishna can make a surprise cut in the XI for India Down Under. Yash Dayal came under the radar of Indian selectors but he has now disappeared completely, so that is surprising to me,” he added.
Rohit Sharma was named the captain with Bumrah as his deputy in the much-anticipated series, which is expected to decide the finalists of the World Test Championship.
Shami, 34, had earlier said he is ‘pain free’ in his recovery but Rohit, in his recent update on the quick, had said the bowler suffered a setback after swelling in his knee.
Shami has not played for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup due to an ankle injury. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was also not included in the squad for the series due to a chronic left groin issue.
India will be eyeing a hat-trick of series wins Down Under after successfully winning on 2020-21 and 2022-23 tours.