Gill Defers to Selectors on Mohammed Shami’s Omission From South Africa Tests

Overview

• India left Mohammed Shami out of the 15-man squad for the two home Tests against South Africa despite his 15 Ranji Trophy wickets in three matches.
• Gill praised performances from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, noting competition for places has grown.
• The announced attack features three seamers—Bumrah, Siraj and Akash Deep—plus four spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
• Former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar called the continued omission a clear indicator that India is looking ahead to newer pace options.
• The first Test begins Friday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with Shami’s recent injury return and mixed IPL form cited in coverage as part of the wider context.