'Mohammed Shami Has Every Right To Feel Aggrieved...': Former India Opener Reflects On Pacer's Snub From Team India's Squads

India vs Australia: Ever since the triumph in the Champions Trophy 2025, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has not been able to make his way back into the squad. Shami has been in and out of the team ever since his fabulous performance in the World Cup 2023, where India finished as a finalist. Former India opener and a commentator at present, Aakash Chopra, has thrown his weight behind Mohammed Shami stating that he has the right to feel aggrieved with the selectors. However, Chopra also reiterated that judgements should not be formed about the pacer's snub from Team India without hearing the side of the selectors.

India will feature in a three-match ODI series and five T20I matches against Australia starting on October 19 (Sunday). The first ODI is set to take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Chopra, on his official YouTube channel, also reflected upon all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's future who failed to make the ODI squad.

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Jadeja has already retired from the T20I after India's tournament-winning campaign in T20 World Cup 2024.

"Shami has been very vocal and has criticised the selection committee a lot. Again, every story has two sides. So, you need to hear all sides. The coach, captain, and selector are not going to say anything unless you prod them and ask whether they have spoken to Shami,” said Chopra on his YouTube Channel.

Chopra believed that the pacer has to do a lot before catching the attention of selectors.

"Whether they did or not, you and I will never know. The truth is that it doesn't seem like the selectors are looking towards him. This is a reality. He has every right to feel aggrieved and unhappy. If he is happy with his fitness and selectors, for whatever reason, are not happy, it's unfortunate, but nothing can be done. Shami will have to do a lot to make it back," he added.

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Jadeja On The Fringes: Chopra

"Ravindra Jadeja is also on the fringes. I am thinking that if Axar is here, why would Jaddu be there in South Africa? You cannot say it now, although two-and-a-half years are left," said Chopra.

"So it is a little too early to really call something on Jaddu. However, since Shami has been ignored for such a long time, it seems like the team management and selectors have made up their minds slightly to look in a different direction," he concluded.