AB de Villiers reveals the reason why Mohammed Shami isn’t part of the national team

Former South African batter and analyst AB de Villiers has opened up on Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the ODI and T20I squads for the forthcoming Australian tour, scheduled to start on Sunday, October 19, in Perth.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers has asserted that the Indian selection committee has moved on from the star seamer. Though he is not aware of the behind-the-scenes story, he reckoned that it’s not the end of the road for Shami.

"It is a big call from Team India. It feels like, in a certain way, they've moved on from him. I don't know the behind-the-scenes story, but there may be a couple of niggles he's still carrying. Maybe he lost a yard of pace and he doesn't quite have that zip that he used to. Those could all play a part. It doesn't mean it's the end of the road for him,” AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel. 

Furthermore, the former cricketer felt that Shami has lost a bit of pace, which is the reason why he has been omitted from the national squads. However, he backed the star pacer to come out well and make a successful comeback. 

"If he can still find that extra yard of pace, as that is one thing I picked up - He lost a little bit of pace recently and maybe that is the reason why he is not in the national team anymore. But hopefully he makes a really good comeback. I am a big fan of Shami, he's a wonderful bowler. Always asks questions of the batters,” he added.

"He's a wicket-to-wicket bowler and a great asset to have in the team if he's in form, fit and raring to go. Obviously, it is very disappointing not to see him there as he's a very entertaining performer for Team India," he concluded.

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