‘This release could happen’: Dale Steyn issues stark warning over Mohammed Shami’s future amid India snub | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Amid growing tensions between the BCCI selection committee and Mohammed Shami, former South Africa player Dale Steyn has delivered a blunt assessment of the Indian fast bowler’s future. Steyn, speaking on JioHotstar during the lunch break of the first India-South Africa Test in Kolkata, revealed that he had already “begged” for Shami’s inclusion when he was bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad – a request which was ignored at the time.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!“When I was bowling coach at SRH, I would say ‘please, can we somehow get Mohammed Shami?’ And as soon as I wasn’t the coach anymore, they got him,” Steyn said, adding, “I’d be disappointed if they lost him.” But his tone changed when asked about the veteran’s immediate prospects. With Shami battling recurring injuries and as a 35-year-old point guard, Steyn suggested the road ahead could be difficult.
“Fitness and fitness play a key role in initial loadingespecially with the bowlers. You want bowlers to be fit, you want them to be shooting,” Steyn explained. He acknowledged Shami’s recent domestic success – 15 wickets in three Ranji matches – but warned that teams often look beyond past performances. “If Shami is fit and shooting, he will make any team. But if he’s struggling… teams would say there are other players. You were fine a year and a half ago, but not now. This release could take place.»Shami, bought for Rs 10 crore in last year’s IPL mega auction, had a disappointing 2025 season with just six wickets in nine matches. SRH are now reportedly considering trading him before Saturday’s retention deadline.Indian captain Shubman Gil admitted that dropping Shami for the Test series in South Africa was emotionally difficult. Speaking ahead of the Eden Gardens Test, Gill said: “Not many bowlers are of his quality… Sometimes it is difficult for players like Shami Bhai to miss something.”As selection uncertainties, franchise doubts and fitness concerns all converge, Steyn’s dramatic verdict underlines just how high Mohammed Shami’s storied career currently stands.
