India’s failure to defend 359 in the second ODI of the three-match series against South Africa in Raipur has amplified concerns over the team’s inexperienced pace attack. With senior bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj rested for workload management, many are questioning why Mohammed Shami was not brought into the setup.

Former India pacer Harbhajan Singh criticised the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, wondering why Shami was overlooked despite his form and experience—especially in the absence of Bumrah and Siraj. He admitted that Prasidh Krishna showed promise, but stressed that India is phasing out proven bowlers too quickly. “You had solid options and sidelined them gradually. With Bumrah in the XI, this attack looks very different. We must learn to win matches even when he’

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