India's cricket team faces mounting criticism over recent player selection strategies and injury management, particularly concerning veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. Following the team's disappointing performance during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, former head coach Ravi Shastri expressed dissatisfaction with how the management handled Shami's injury recovery.
Shami underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon earlier this year, which sidelined him from key competitions, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup. Despite returning to form and competing well for Bengal domestically, he was left out of the squad for the BGT series, raising eyebrows among cricketing legends.
Shastri questioned the communication transparency within the management, stating, "I was very surprised with the communication going on in the media as to what exactly happened to Shami. Where is he when it come to recovery? He's been sitting in the NCA for I don't know how long."
Indeed, Shami's absence was felt heavily by the team. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma voiced frustration at the lack of updates from the National Cricket Academy, and without Shami, the Indian bowling unit struggled significantly, resulting in a 3-1 series defeat. Jasprit Bumrah bore the brunt of the bowling workload, claiming Player of the Series with 32 wickets to his name, but he couldn't shoulder the responsibilities alone.
Two former cricket icons, Shastri and Ricky Ponting, have emphasized the case for Shami's inclusion. Ponting noted, "If Shami, Bumrah, and Siraj were in their starting team, I think things could have been completely different here in Australia." His remarks reflect the overwhelming belief among many cricket analysts and fans alike about the impact Shami could have had on the series.
Looking forward, the Indian team's selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is adopting a predictive approach to upcoming tournaments, especially the ICC Champions Trophy set to kick off on February 19. Reports suggest the Indian management is considering resting Bumrah for the impending England series as they aim to maintain the fitness of their star players.
With England due for five T20Is and three ODIs starting January 22, the selectors are also evaluating fresh talent. Young batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal appears to be on the radar, likely as backup for the opener's position. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj’s upcoming schedule will see him sidelined from T20Is but available for ODIs and the Champions Trophy.
This strategic selection method aims to balance the experience of senior players with opportunities for newer talents. Other players, such as all-rounder Washington Sundar and left-arm bowler Arshdeep Singh are also under consideration for inclusion.
The squad for the Champions Trophy will be announced around January 9 or 10, as India focuses on recuperation and strategy before facing formidable opponents. Interestingly, Sanju Samson, another notable player, is expected to miss out on the squad, making space for either Nitish Reddy or Axar Patel.
After the debacle at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India's focus understandably shifts to the Champions Trophy, which returns after seven years. Historically, India last lifted the trophy way back in 2013 and holds additional motivation following their 2017 final defeat against Pakistan.
This time, with Shami's anticipated return and the strategic engagement of younger players, can India reclaim their title? If they succeed, it will not only reaffirm their status as cricketing giants but also mend the pockets of criticism leveled against their management handling of injury protocols and player selections.