Shubman Gill on Mohammed Shami's Test Snub: 'Tough Call'

India Test captain Shubman Gill addressed Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa, calling it a “tough call” due to the veteran’s elite quality but praising the current pace attack’s form. Despite Shami’s haul of 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy games for Bengal, the 35-year-old missed out on the 15-member panel announced earlier this month.

Gill, speaking at the pre-match press conference in Kolkata ahead of the first Test at Eden Gardens starting November 14, lauded Shami as a “gun pacer” with few peers in the country. “Not many bowlers are of his quality. But the ones playing have done a terrific job. Sometimes it’s difficult for players like Shami bhai to miss out. The selectors will be able to give you a better answer to that,” he said. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier raised fitness concerns, which Shami dismissed by pointing to his domestic performances.

Shami, who last played a Test in the 2023 WTC final, brings a stellar record against South Africa—14 wickets in three matches, including a five-for at Centurion. However, Gill highlighted contributions from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna, noting the need to build a balanced attack for future cycles. “There aren’t many bowlers of Shami bhai’s quality. But when you look at the performances of others—guys like Akash Deep and Prasidh—and also what Siraj and Bumrah have done for us, it becomes a tough call,” he added.

Pacer vs Spinner Dilemma for Playing XI
Gill revealed the lineup is nearly finalized but hinges on pitch conditions at Eden Gardens. The team is debating an extra seamer or spinner, with spinners potentially key on a track that looked drier than expected. “It’s always this time of the year, there is always a conflict if you want to go for an extra seamer or spinner. That’s why we will see the condition tomorrow and decide on the XI,” he said. “It’s more or less finalised. The wicket looks different from yesterday. We will see it tomorrow morning and then will finalise the spin combination, as spinners, more or less, will decide the game,” Gill noted.

India, aiming to qualify for the 2027 WTC final, face a strong South Africa side—the reigning champions after their 2025 Lord’s triumph over Australia. Gill warned it won’t be easy: “It won’t be easy against South Africa, and we will have to handle tough moments. These two Tests are important in the race to the WTC final.” India hold a dominant home record, losing just once in seven series against the Proteas—25 years ago.

India’s Test Squad for SA Series: