Mohammed Shami Backs Shubman Gill After ODI Omission Controversy

Shami Clarifies Fitness, Addresses Selection Controversy While Endorsing Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Role

Veteran Indian bowler Mohammed Shami has finally broken his silence over being left out of India's One Day International (ODI) and T20I teams for the tour of Australia, which begins on October 19, 2025.

Owing to being in fine fettle in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and playing for Bengal in domestic cricket, Shami was surprisingly left out of both national teams, leading to rampant speculation among fans and cricket analysts alike.

Shami Supports Gill, Ends captaincy Debate
 

Responding to the controversy, Shami explained that he does not have a fitness issue. "I will simply say being selected is not in my control; it's the responsibility of the selection committee," he stated.

He reiterates that he has been fully fit and match-ready, so his omission was strictly a matter of selection and not a problem with his performance or physical fitness.

Shami’s remarks come at a crucial time as India gears up for a challenging tour Down Under, where team composition and experience are expected to play a pivotal role.

Another central point Shami addressed was the ongoing debate surrounding India’s ODI captaincy. Recently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma.

Gill’s Leadership Gains Shami’s Crucial Support
 

The squad announced after the England tour, with Gill already serving as captain, has sparked considerable buzz and elicited mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. Shami supported Gill’s inclusion, pointing out that Shubman had previously captained India in England.

So, he has experience." He also asked fans to accept the decision and support the young skipper, calling for team unity.

The transition from Rohit Sharma, who has been a great captain for India for over ten years, to Shubman Gill is a significant change in Indian cricket. Shami's support strengthens the BCCI's decision and emphasizes the necessity of supporting leadership choices for team stability and long-term planning.

Is Shami Urging Fans to Support Gill?
 

Shami's statements, ahead of the Australian tour, have made his present position and attitude more transparent. He emphasized that his dropping was not due to fitness and praised Shubman Gill's captaincy.

By doing so, Shami has tried to end the heated debate and wants fans to focus on supporting the team rather than questioning decisions. His comments portray a professional and team-minded attitude, indicating that unity within the team will be maintained as India faces rivalries.

Shami's remarks cleared the doubts about his fitness and reconfirmed his commitment to the leadership change in the team. The tour is going to be challenging for India, and it will be crucial to support the new leaders, such as Gill, and to keep the team strong with the right kind of support.

Shami's position is a reminder of a larger issue: the team's unity and success must always take precedence over the individual's aspirations, a view that has gained considerable acceptance in the Indian cricket community in recent years.