Aakash Chopra discusses the exclusion of Mohammed Shami from India squad

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra stated that age is not the primary factor behind the exclusion of Mohammed Shami from the national team. While Shami has been absent from international duty for eighteen months, Chopra noted that the selection committee has continued to select older veterans such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Chopra pointed to the consistency of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc as a point of contrast, noting that Starc has maintained fitness and impact upon his returns to international action. In contrast, concerns regarding Shami have centered on his injury recovery and lack of match intensity after returning to domestic cricket. Shami recently reached the milestone of 100 first-class matches following his participation in the Duleep Trophy final for East Zone. The BCCI selection committee has not yet provided a definitive public explanation for Shami's absence.

• 10:56 AMYahoo Sports — 'Still selecting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma': Aakash Chopra makes big statement on Mohammed Shami's India snub