The Indian team was announced on Wednesday for the upcoming series against West Indies, but experienced fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar did not get a place. After the absence of both the players, the discussion regarding their international career has intensified. Bhuvneshwar Kumar performed brilliantly for champion Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2026, taking 28 wickets. Whereas, Mohammed Shami is out of the Indian team since 2025, but is continuously performing well in domestic cricket. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that looking at the current selection of the Indian team, the situation seems quite clear for Shami and Bhuvneshwar. He said on his YouTube channel, “I think when you look at things from Shami and Bhuvi’s perspective, the picture is clear.
In T20 International you could have thought about Bhuvi and in ODI you could have thought about Mohammed Shami, but now you are not thinking about them.” Opportunities being given to young bowlers: Aakash Chopra also mentioned about the opportunities being given to new players in the Indian team. Auqib Nabi has been included in the ODI team, while Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav have got a chance in the T20 team. He said; “So many teams, so much change and new players are constantly getting opportunities. In such a situation, the absence of both Bhuvi and Shami in the team gives us some indication. Maybe we should accept it and move forward.” Shami became emotional after playing his 100th first class match. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami completed the 100th first class match of his career while playing for East Zone in the final of Duleep Trophy 2026. Shami described this achievement as special and said that reaching 100 matches is the result of long hard work and sacrifice. He said; “The 100th match is always special. Playing 100 first class matches is a dream.” East Zone won the Duleep Trophy title by defeating South Zone in the final. Shami was also a part of the team when East Zone won this trophy for the first time in 2012.